Police have launched an operation targeting youth-related anti-social behaviour and violence in Norwich.

It follows a series in the last two months, including assaults, weapons possession and robberies involving young people in the city centre, involving people from Norwich and Thetford.

In response, a policing operation has been launched, co-ordinating activity through intelligence-led policing, high-visibility patrols, and targeted enforcement. Officers will also be working alongside local authorities and support groups to deter and disrupt criminal activity, combining robust policing with early intervention strategies, aimed at addressing the root causes of youth crime.

A number of arrests have been made in connection with the recent incidents, with many people put before the courts charged with alleged offences.

T/Chief Superintendent Wes Hornigold said: “This increase in anti-social behaviour and violence is a real concern to us. In many cases, incidents of comparatively minor anti-social behaviour have escalated into large-scale disorder, with those involved carrying weapons and willing to use them. A lot of the incidents have happened during the day, in busy areas of the city centre, and we recognise the wider public concern this can cause.

“This is why we have launched a dedicated policing operation to deter and disrupt criminal activity, while also working closely with our partner agencies and sharing information which can help us achieve this.

“We want to keep Norwich a safe place. Our communities have a vital role to play in reporting suspicious activity, or if you think someone is carrying a weapon. Equally, if you are concerned about a child who might be at risk, please report it to police.”

Recent incidents include a fight outside Chantry Place shopping centre on Saturday 22 March involving four people. No one was injured. Officers arrested two people the following day. A 19-year-old man was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and put before the courts. The second man in his 20s was released without charge. Two other suspects were arrested at Gatwick Airport in connection with this incident, and other incidents of violence. They were questioned and later charged with offences.

On Wednesday 2 April, officers conducting patrols at Norwich Train Station attempted to stop a man who fled from police. Following a short chase, he was detained in Riverside and found to be in possession of a knife. Harry Bodily, 24 and of Summer Lane, Carbrooke, was charged with possession of a bladed article and remanded into custody. He appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court on 3 April and has since pleaded guilty to the offence and will be sentenced on 28 May.

Meanwhile, two teenagers have appeared in court charged in connection with a stabbing which happened last weekend on Prince of Wales Road.  A 17-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, was charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. A 16-year-old, who also cannot be named due to his age, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article. Both appeared in court on 10 April where the 16-year-old pleaded guilty to both charges. He will appear at on 8 May 2025 for sentencing. The 17-year-old boy did not enter a plea and was further remanded into custody until his next court hearing.  

As a result of increased patrols this weekend, officers stopped a group of teenage boys in Chapelfield Gardens, in Norwich on Saturday afternoon, around 3.50pm. Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of possession of knives and drugs. Both boys, who cannot be named due to their age, have since been charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place. One of the boys was also charged with possession of a class B drug. Both teenagers were remanded in police custody to appear before Norwich Magistrates Court yesterday morning (14 April 2025).

If you have concerns about young people involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, you can report it online here. Alternatively, call police on 101. If a crime is in progress, always dial 999.