Police seized hundreds of bottles and cans at a notorious North Yorkshire beauty spot following anti-social behaviour yesterday.
Richmond Falls was busy with people yesterday when temperatures reached record-breaking levels.
It is also notorious for anti-social behaviour after mass gatherings took place at the falls during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Richmond District Council reminded visitors that a Public Spaces Protection Order was in place aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and littering at the popular beauty spot.
More than 200 bottles of beer, cider, vodka and other spirits, along with three large cannisters of nitrous oxide, used for getting high, were seized from the site as warnings went unheard.
Officers of North Yorkshire Police also dispersed five men from Middlesbrough who “couldn’t behave themselves.”
A youth from County Durham was also arrested on suspicion of assault after a fight broke out.
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18 traffic offences were also issued to those travelling to and from the area, including for not wearing a seatbelt and for causing an obstruction when parked.
Officers also extinguished seven barbecues, which were very dangerous during hot conditions.
Richmond Inspector Martin Metcalfe, said that people were welcome to the falls but as “long as they don’t do things that are selfish and illegal.”
He continued to argue that residents didn’t want their “beauty spots to be used like an Ibiza nightclub and we’re doing something about it.”
Mr Metcalfe added: “As temperatures soared well into the 30s yesterday and hundreds congregated at Richmond Falls, my team and I took action to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour as well as all the litter and mess this leaves behind.
“We simply will not tolerate antisocial behaviour, which is often committed by large groups who travel in from other areas and behave with no respect for the community they’re visiting.”
A spokesperson for Richmondshire District Council said that despite all efforts, the enjoyment of the beauty spot for the majority is “spoiled” by an “inconsiderate minority who indulge in anti-social behaviour.”
They added: “We monitor the situation closely and keep our interventions under review but we simply cannot be present in the area all of the time.
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“This is very frustrating for local residents and considerate visitors and we will continue in our efforts to keep the area safe ,litter free and make it clear that we are all determined to stop the Order being disregarded.”
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