Youths 'abusing and intimidating' cinema staff

Cinemagoers and staff are being exposed to "abusive and intimidating behaviour" by a group of youngsters, according to police.

Suffolk Police officers said they have been made aware of issues with anti-social behaviour in and around Cineworld in Haverhill.

According to one customer, who did not wish to be named, the "group of youths" have been "causing chaos" at the Ehringshausen Way venue and filming their escapades for social media.

The police said it had visited the cinema and surrounding businesses to collect evidence and CCTV footage, while foot patrols were also being carried out and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) issued or drawn up.

"Businesses have told us there is an increase of abusive and intimidating behaviour towards staff and customers with disruption to families," a spokesperson said.

"There are around a dozen young people involved and police have worked with agencies and CCTV operators to identify key individuals."

Once they are identified, the force said it would send a warning letter to parents and then send out an officer to speak with them and their children.

If a young person comes to the attention of the authorities more than once, an ABC will then be drawn up and issued.

The police said one ABC had already been sent out and three more were being readied.

One of the conditions of such a contract could, for example, be that the individual must attend certain youth groups in an attempt to divert them from misbehaving.

If an ABC does not work, then a Community Protection Notice (CPN) could be issued with enforceable conditions that could lead to arrest if breached.

"The key focus is on diverting young people, who are probably bored and lack things to do, away from criminality," a police spokesperson added.

"It's not the sole focus of the police to criminalise them unless all other options have been tried and failed."

Customers, however, believe the current approach is not working.

"These group of youths have been reported a number of times and still they come into the establishment and cause chaos," one said.

"This chaos doesn't only happen in the evenings but in the daytime, causing many people distress.

"Why are they not in school?"

Cineworld has been contacted for comment.

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