Reports of antisocial behaviour crimes in Sefton, including illegal house parties and people using drugs, more than doubled during lockdown.
Figures discussed at a Safer Communities meeting held by Sefton Council show there were 219 reports of anti-social behaviour between March 1 and August 14 this year.
For the same time period in 2019, officers received just 90 reports of similar offences.
Documents say the largest increase was due to “neighbours partying in the garden and/or house” and “the use of drugs, particularly cannabis”.
Noise complaints shot up to 42, from just nine for the same period last year.
During lockdown, council officers issued more than a hundred warning letters, and three Community Protection Notices.
The council says it is also “working closely with police” on three additional closure orders for antisocial behaviour.
Merseyside Police were called to a number of illegal gatherings during the lockdown period, with raves expected to take place on Sefton’s beaches sparking a massive police response.
On May 31, officers tweeted they had made a number of arrests, and that a number of fires on the beaches had to be put out.
They also added they were forced to seize alcohol on the beach and people were arrested for drug possession and drink driving offences.
They tweeted: “Due to reports of disorder and arranged rave type meets in Formby/Crosby we have been policing the beach tonight.
“Groups of youths have been dispersed, fires put out, alcohol seized and arrests for possession of drugs and drink drive.”
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On June 20, officers dispersed a group of around 70 people who were headed to an illegal rave in Southport; and on June 24, five people were arrested and music equipment was seized at an unlawful party on Formby beach.
Documents on Sefton Council’s website say that “95% of cases dealt with are adult cases, this is the reverse of the perception that young people are responsible for antisocial behaviour”.
