Thuggish behaviour from children as young as nine in Richmond Park has prompted police to step up patrols.

Neighbours of the park have reported groups of children between age nine and 12 throwing stones, using foul language and vandalising park equipment.

Now, police have promised to increase patrols following pleas from a local councillor.

Councillor Patricia Burnsde took to Facebook to address the matter, announcing enhanced patrols in the park. 

She said: “In light of recent issues seen in Richmond Park, the park ranger service has agreed to prioritise and increase patrols of the area following the information I have provided.”

She urged the community to report specific times when antisocial behaviour occurs to help target patrols effectively.

Data from Street Check reveals that 14 incidents of antisocial behaviour were recorded in eptember 2024 within half a mile of Richmond Park Road. This type of behaviour accounts for nearly 25 per cent of all reported crimes in the vicinity.

Friends of Richmond Park Sheffield shared on Facebook that there has been an uptick in disruptive behaviour among children aged 9 to 12, who have reportedly caused damage to park facilities, used offensive language, and threw stones at members of the public.

Anthony Olaseinde, 37, the CEO of Always an Alternative, said: “There’s always antisocial behaviour. It’s a park. Most parks have that.” 

Mr Olaseinde commented on the rise of antisocial behaviour in Richmond Park, saying that criminality is generally higher in deprived areas. 

Always An Alternative is a charity organisation that supports young people by encouraging them to make positive life choices and spreading awareness about reducing knife crime, gun crime, gang culture and anti-social behaviour. 

They recently launched their Mobile Youth Club outside the Link Community Hub in Stradbroke near Richmond Park. 

Mobile Youth Club is a large van that is converted into a space where teenagers can participate in activities such as DJing, gaming, and sports. 

Mr Olaseinde said: “Everybody could do more. It’s good to talk to each other and help each other. I think the government could do more to support and talk to young people.  I think anybody could do a little bit, and it would make a big difference.”

Despite their approach, the charity is struggling with financial constraints, having yet to receive any support from the local council. 

Mr Olaseinde said: “We don’t have enough funding, so a lot can’t be done. It’s really fragmented. People just do their own thing and don’t really come together to solve issues.”