Understand
Vandals target crime-prevention alleygates in Preston
Overview
Locks installed on alleygates across Preston to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour have been deliberately damaged. Residents reported instances of tampering, such as substances being jammed into locks. Despite the vandalism and some concerns about fly-tipping, public consultation showed unanimous support for the gates, with many residents reporting that they successfully reduced nuisance behaviour and drug activity.
Key points
- Locks on alleygates across Preston, including Manchester Road in Frenchwood, have been deliberately damaged and tampered with.
- The gates were installed to restrict access to problem alleyways and reduce crime, theft, and anti-social behaviour.
- Preston City Council confirmed it is aware of the criminal damage following a public consultation on the future of the gates.
- Support for the alleygates remains unanimous among consultation respondents, with some calling for expansion to other streets like Ainslie Road.
- The council has responded to resident concerns by increasing visible patrols at key times and issuing community protection warnings.