Cops launch crackdown after spate of robberies

ANTI-SOCIAL yobs are travelling from out of town to wreak havoc in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Police in Tameside say there has been an increase in trouble in the town centre in recent weeks including a spate of robberies.

It is understood victims are being targeted for their mobile phones, and that gangs of teenagers are coming from other parts of the borough - such as Dukinfield, Stalybridge, and parts of Manchester - to cause problems.

On Tuesday evening, police launched a crackdown.

A 48-hour dispersal order was put in force in Ashton town centre, which gives officers the power to ask groups of two or more to leave the area and not return for a certain amount of time.

Anyone who ignores the order can be arrested.

By Thursday afternoon, police has issued 18 dispersal notices and carried out 13 stop searches, with some cannabis being seized.

Ashton Inspector Lee Derbyshire said that a number of other youths were spoken to, and that ‘appropriate interventions and referrals were made’.

He said the dispersal order was extended for another 24 hours until Friday evening.

Insp Derbyshire said that only a small group of troublemakers were responsible for the problems, and that those behaving themselves won’t have anything to worry about.

He did however urge parents to be aware of where their children are – and what they are doing.

“Our activities regarding this continue into the weekend and my message to the local community is that we’re not looking to unnecessarily criminalise any young people out enjoying themselves responsibly, but we do want them to be safe doing so and are taking direct action against those choosing to commit crime and anti-social behaviour in our town centre.

“Parents/guardians, please know where your children are and what they’re getting up to, a visit from us is not the ideal way to be finding out and follow up home visits to those causing problems is something I’m directing the team to carry out wherever they see it appropriate.”

Anyone with information can contact GMP on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.