Commissioner visits Macclesfield Anti-Social Behaviour hotspot during ASB Awareness Week

Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer recently visited Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club to hear about their experience with ASB.

18-24 July 2022 marks Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, a national campaign to raise awareness of the impact anti-social behaviour can have on local communities. Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer recently visited Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club to hear about their experience with ASB.

The after-effects of anti-social behaviour can have a devastating impact on the whole community, including organisations like Macclesfield Rugby Union FC. The team have been victims of criminal damage, trespassing and vandalism for the past two years and saw the levels rise during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Most recently, the club was a victim of arson with their training equipment set on fire.

Joined by officers from Macclesfield Local Policing Unit, Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, met with Mini and Youth Chairman Phil Mason and Head Coach Andy Appleyard to discuss the issues that the club is facing.

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, said:

“It is fitting that during Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week I have met with the team at Macclesfield RUFC to discuss the awful activity that they are witnessing on their property. It shows what a devastating impact anti-social behaviour can have on organisations, including the financial strain put on the victim to rectify the damage done.”

“I am committed to preventing and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, I believe forming strong relationships between the community and the local police is key to this and the meeting today has been a step forward in combatting the anti-social behaviour experienced here.”

With the school summer holidays commencing imminently, the rugby club is concerned the anti-social behaviour levels could rise again. In an attempt to combat this, a Summer Sports Camp has been set up to engage with the local children and young people to provide them with socialisation and sports development opportunities.

Phil Mason from Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club said:

“At Macclesfield Rugby Club we pride ourselves on being a community club, with over 400 mini and youth members from 5 to 18 years old from all over Cheshire and Staffordshire. 

“It is disappointing that a small number of individuals see fit to vandalise or damage the facilities. In particular the astroturf has been broken into numerous times, leaving sharp fencing, litter and broken glass which is a clear danger for children and other genuine users. 

“We are pleased the Police and Crime Commissioner, together with Sergeant Bassirat and PC Gary Barnes took the time to visit the club, and we will continue working with the police to combat this issue.

Pictured -  Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer with Macclesfield Local Policing Unit Officers and Phil Mason and Andy Appleyard from Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club.