Wheelie bin set alight as antisocial behaviour rises at Darwen's Bold Venture Park
A wheelie bin was deliberately set alight at Bold Venture Park in Darwen as police report a rise in antisocial and criminal behaviour involving youths in the area.
Police say the incident is the latest in a series of problems reported at Bold Venture Park over recent months.
Officers said the area has seen an increase in antisocial and criminal behaviour, including criminal damage, arson, theft and intimidating behaviour linked to groups of youths.
The most recent incident took place in the early hours of Sunday when a wheelie bin was deliberately set alight in the park. Police said the behaviour was “unacceptable”.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We know that the majority of your children are polite, well-mannered and respect the open spaces of the town.
“You may already know that this post does not relate to children in your care. Unfortunately, we are also aware of pockets of youths who are responsible for causing issues at the park, and continue do so.
“Outdoor spaces such as Bold Venture Park exist for the pleasure of everybody. Please teach your young people to value these areas and respect those that wish to utilise them safely and peacefully.”
Neighbourhood, response and specialist operations officers have been carrying out regular patrols in the area and are working alongside Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Blackburn with Darwen community safety and green spaces teams, Darwen Youth Zone and the Youth Justice Service.
Police said the partnership approach aims to offer advice, support and diversionary activities for young people, while also taking enforcement action where necessary.
However, officers stressed that they cannot be present at the park at all times and have urged parents and carers to speak to young people about their behaviour.
Police are asking anyone with information relating to previous incidents or the arson on December 28 to contact them.
Information can be passed to police on 101, quoting log reference LC-20251228-0868, or reported anonymously via the Lancashire Police online reporting portal.