The States police have dealt with 45 incidents of antisocial behaviour at Havre des Pas over the past three months – 15 in June, nine in July and 21 in August.
Marcus Calvani, who operates ‘The Lido’, a private event space at the bathing pool, said he has had to make multiple calls to the police, often on a weekly basis.
He added: ‘Sadly we are in a constant battle with antisocial behaviour of locals. This is not only embarrassing for us as a business but embarrassing for our Island as a whole to visitors. The ongoing behaviour is predominantly caused by minors, but also includes adults.’
Mr Calvani said the increase in antisocial behaviour in the area has not been helped by the closure of facilities that younger Islanders could gather at.
To combat the situation, Mr Calvani said a police CCTV camera mounted to the site to monitor the upper and lower levels of the pool area would be a huge benefit.
He added: ‘The police this year have been wonderfully supportive and started to show a great presence in the area. Add in the CCTV, lock the site at night time and introduce much stricter penalties for those behaving in an antisocial manner.’
A spokesperson for the States police said that officers continue to ‘proactively patrol’ Havre des Pas following an increase in antisocial behaviour during lockdown.
‘Officers are working in partnership with residents’ associations, businesses and government departments to enhance CCTV coverage, we patrol the area during key times, encourage reporting and a security provision has recently been introduced at the pool area in support of the lifeguards.
‘We work closely with the Youth Service and have encouraged outreach programmes to focus on Havre des Pas to divert young people from becoming involved in crime and antisocial behaviour, be it as victims or offenders.’
The statement from the States police follows on from an incident on 10 August where a 23-year-old man was arrested in the area after allegedly being abusive and threatening members of the public.
Despite an increased police presence, Mr Calvani believes a ‘collective approach’ between the government, the civil service, who are responsible for the site, the police and surrounding businesses is needed to deal with the situation.
He added: ‘We are proud to be the tenants in this incredible building. There is without a doubt, a lack of interest from government in the building at this current time, which is very sad and in our mind short-sighted.’
Mr Calvani said his team were dedicated to the site for the long term and would continue to invest financially and mentally into the area to make it better for everyone.
‘We hope that government will join us on this mission to make Lido and Havre des Pas as wonderful as it can possibly be and a jewel in our island’s crown as a loved visitor destination to be enjoyed by locals as well,’ he said.
