Warning over anti-social youngsters at bus station
POLICE have issued a warning to parents after a ‘dramatic increase’ in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage involving children at Accrington bus station.
Staff, members of the public and local shop owners in the area have been ‘verbally abused’ with some youngsters being arrested and detained.
One youth will appear in court next month charged with using a black handled lock knife to damage a metal waste paper bin.
Hyndburn Police are now urging parents to ‘keep an eye on their children’ and to assist officers by ‘setting boundaries’.
A spokesperson said: “The staff from the bus station have reported a dramatic increase in anti-social behaviour involving young persons being verbally abusive towards staff, members of the public and local shop owners in the area.
“In some situations, due to the seriousness of the offence, police have arrested and detained some of the young people involved.
“One recent incident was of a young person producing a black handled lock knife proceeding to scratch the metal waste paper bin with the blade.
“The young person will be attending court in the New Year regarding being in possession of a bladed article in a public place and criminal damage.
“Officers will always try to deal with criminal activity and anti-social behaviour with a measured response that is proportionate to the circumstances.
“However, if your child is identified as committing crime or anti-social behaviour, police will take action to ensure that the bus station staff, the local public is protected and our town centre is a safe place to visit.”