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A woman was reportedly 'licking the war memorial' at Albert Park last summer - and grabbing people's feet.

The woman in the incident was described as an 'African female' and the matter was reported to Cleveland Police in June.

Police couldn't find any trace of the woman during a search of the park and the incident was recorded as anti-social behaviour.

It was one of 13 incidents recorded near Teesside's war memorials this year, records released exclusively to the Gazette show.

In Stockton, a thief or thieves stole some flowers from the hall and war memorial on Butts Lane in July.

(Image: Tony Winward)

This was the only one of these incidents that ended up being recorded as a crime, according to the records - the others were often false alarms.

For example, someone called to say there was a man doing drugs in a car in Albert Park on October 29 - but when the police stopped him they found no sign he was doing anything illegal.

In Hartlepool, police got word of a man who was lying on the grass near the cenotaph on Victoria Road in July.

There were fears for his safety, but when they found him, he was "fine, just chilling out".

The 13 incidents at war memorials

Middleton Grange, Hartlepool

February 26

Complaining that police had given G4s permission to drive over war memorial when letter from council states they don't have permission. Advised of the procedure. Closed to Professional standards.

Arch Court, Hartlepool

April 14

G4s driving over war memorial when letter from council states they don't have permission. Advice matter. Police attended and advised this is a council matter.



High Street, Stockton

May 22

EDL members planning to go to the war memorial and lay a wreath in memory of Lee Rigby. Thought there might be problems. Officers en route and on foot in general area.

Albert Park, Middlesbrough

June 10

Reporting he thinks someone is spray painting the war memorial. Suspicious circumsatnces. Call with good intent, no persons or damage at scene.



Albert Park, Middlesbrough

June 18

African female licking the war memorial and grabbing at people's feet. Anti-social behaviour. Area search negative.



Lamb Lane, Stockton

July 3

Enforcement officers reporting 20 youths at location taking drugs. Have now made off. Anti-social behaviour. Dealt with by council.



Victoria Road, Hartlepool

July 6

Concerns for male laid on grass near war memorial. Concern for safety. Male fine, just chilling out.

Butts Lane, Eaglescliffe, Stockton

July 15

Theft of flowers from the hall and war memorial over the last few days. Crime details taken.



Burlam Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough

July 22

Drunken male in cemetery near war memorial. Being abusive and tearing up grass. Anti-social behaviour. Male spoken to, no offences and not drunk. Asked to leave.



North Terrace, Seaham

July 29

Male near war memorial considering going off the cliff edge. Concern for safety. Attended and spoke to male.



The Square, Stockton

October 8

Black holdall left at memorial. Suspicious circumstances. Already checked by Enforcement, holdall is empty.

The Green, Billingham

October 27

Road traffic collision - crashed into war memorial. Attended.



Albert Park, Middlesbrough

October 29

Male parked in car near war memorial, doing drugs. Suspicious circumstances. Driver stopped, no signs of drugs or drugs use.