ELLESMERE Port police have increased patrols around the town’s war memorial following incidents of anti-social behaviour and damage.
Youths have been congregating by the cenotaph in Civic Square pulling out plants and pouring liquid into the near-by fountain causing it to foam up and flood the memorial.
Officers are taking the names of people found causing trouble around the memorial, and then writing to their parents warning them that further action could be taken if the behaviour continues.
Inspector Richard Rees said: “The monument is very important for the town, it represents all those who died during conflict.
“I would appeal to those people who gather at the memorial to treat it with respect and remember why it is there.
“This has quite rightly been an emotive issue for the community and with Remembrance Day coming up, it will be even more of a focus for the town.
“We will continue to increase patrols round the memorial and deal with anyone caught behaving in an anti-social way appropriately. “
Officers are currently viewing CCTV in the area to identify offenders.
Insp Rees said: “I would encourage anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour to report it to us, especially if they know the names of those people involved.”
To report anti-social behaviour call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. To contact Ellesmere Port neighbourhood policing team call 0845 458 6373, or email ellesmere.port.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk
