A seaside town was plunged into chaos over the weekend after ‘low-level’ disorder forced pubs to close early and police to step up patrols.
Norfolk Police increased patrols in Cromer, Norfolk, in a bid to reassure locals amid reports of fighting, shoplifting and loutish behaviour.
The force dismissed reports of a stabbing at a bus stop, adding that a reported rape was unrelated to the disturbances.
Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, tweeted: ‘Very concerned by what I’ve read online tonight. Of course happy to support people in Cromer in any way I can.’
Norfolk Police increased patrols in Cromer, Norfolk, in a bid to reassure locals amid reports of fighting, shoplifting and loutish behaviour
Some locals attributed the arrival of groups of travellers to the disorder and pubs announced on social media that they were closing early.
The Wellington Pub posted to its Facebook page: ‘Due to the severity of events that have escalated in town last night, it is with regret that we have taken the decision for the safety of our staff and customers that The Welly will be closed this evening.’
Cromer Pier said it had closed its Theatre Bar on advice from police.
The Red Lion Hotel also wrote on Twitter: ‘Please be aware the Red Lion is closing early this evening due to local events in the past 24 hours.’
Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, tweeted his support to the people of Cromer
Cromer Social Club also posted: ‘Due to the events in the town which have the potential to put our staff, members, band and guests at risk, It is sad to have to say the Cromer Social will be closed tonight.’
Police were called to the club at 11.30pm on Friday after ‘a large group’ refused to leave after being asked to do so.
Earlier that evening, officers were dispatched to five reported thefts in the town — three from shops and two from pubs.
The force dismissed reports of a stabbing at a bus stop, adding that a reported rape was unrelated to the disturbances
On Saturday, police were again dispatched to reports of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
Another ‘large group’ also refused to leave a pub on Saturday, requiring police intervention.
Police were then told that other pubs in the town were compelled to close their doors early.
On Sunday, officers were called to a private bar at a caravan park after a ‘large group’ refused to leave.
No arrests were made in relation to the disturbances.
Cromer Social Club also posted: ‘Due to the events in the town which have the potential to put our staff, members, band and guests at risk, It is sad to have to say the Cromer Social will be closed tonight’
Superintendent Malcolm Cooke said: ‘There will always be incidents where the police can engage with the local community and visitors to ensure a safe environment for all.
‘Police identified a slight increase of low-level anti-social behaviour and reports of crimes in the area so have pro-actively adjusted our resourcing levels in order to deal with this.
‘Local businesses were made aware of a small number of incidents dealt with by officers but no official police direction was given that businesses should close.’
A spokesman added: ‘We are also aware of mentions on social media relating to a stabbing in the town — we can confirm no such incident has been reported to us.’
POLICE CALLED TO AT LEAST SIX INCIDENTS IN COASTAL TOWN
Some locals attributed the arrival of groups of travellers to the disorder and pubs announced on social media that they were closing early.
Friday
- Police were called on Friday August 18 to five incidents of theft, three from shops and two from local pubs. Neither of the pubs wished to take the matter forward
- Officers were later called to a group of people who were standing on the middle of a road, however they had dispersed by the time police arrived
- At around 11.30pm that same night, police were called to Cromer Social Club where a large group had gathered and refused to leave when asked
Saturday
- Police received a number of reports of shoplifting and low-level anti-social behaviour
- At around 5pm officers were called to a pub after after another large group refused to leave
- Police were then told that other pubs in the area were compelled to close their doors at 7pm
Sunday
- Officers were called at around 7.15pm following reports people had taken drink from a restaurant without paying
- Shortly after 8.50pm, police were called to a private bar at a caravan park after a large group entered and again refused to leave when asked by the manager.
- Officers ‘engaged’ with the group who later left.