Increased police patrols will continue in Cromer today in response to reports of anti-social behaviour and low-level disorder over the weekend.

Police were called on Friday (18 August) in relation to five incidents of theft, three from shops and two from local pubs where drinks were taken and not paid for. Neither pub wished to take the matter forward, enquiries are ongoing in relation to two thefts and a suspect identified in a third incident was spoken to and no further action will be taken.

Officers also received calls relating to the concern for safety of a group of people standing in the middle of a road however the group had gone by the time police arrived.

At about 11.30pm police were called to Cromer Social Club following reports a large group had attended and refused to leave when asked, however police attended asked the same and the group left the club.

During the day on Saturday, police received some reports of shoplifting, low-level anti-social behaviour in the Cromer area. At about 5pm officers were called to a pub after a large group of people refused to leave. Officers attended and engaged with the group who then left the premises. Police were made aware that other pubs in the area made the decision to close at around 7pm.

Two other incidents were reported last night, of note.

Officers were called at about 7.15pm after reports people had taken drinks from a restaurant on Prince of Wales Road without paying.  Police attended and drinks were either paid for or returned.

Shortly after 8.50pm police were called to a private bar at a caravan park following reports a large group had entered and again refused to leave when asked by the manager. Officers again attended the scene and engaged with the group who then left..

Superintendent Malcolm Cooke said: “We are experienced in policing high season demand, normally seen in the county at this time of year. There will always be incidents where the police can engage with the local community and visitors to ensure a safe environment for all. Yesterday, police identified a slight increase of low-level anti-social behaviour and reports of crimes in the area so have pro-actively adjusted our resourcing levels in order to deal with this.

We will continue to have a police presence in the area today to provide reassurance to local residents, businesses and holiday makers.

“Local businesses were made aware of a small number of incidents dealt with by officers but no official police direction was given that businesses should close. Any decisions to close would be down to local businesses.

“We acknowledge there have been a number of incidents in Cromer over the weekend which will understandably cause concern. However, I can assure residents these incidents have been dealt with appropriately and are of a nature routinely dealt with in towns such as Cromer on a busy August weekend.

“Should you have any ongoing concerns about incidents you’ve experienced, please contact us on 101.”