Young yobs cause town centre havoc
OUT-OF-CONTROL children have been wreaking havoc in Macclesfield by committing acts of violence, vandalism and even trying to climb the town’s Christmas tree.
Police have asked parents to help officers stamp out the anti-social behaviour involving gangs of up to 35 youths in the town centre during the last three weeks.
It is largely taking place in the early hours of the morning with the underpass at Waters Green a particular hotspot.
The thuggish behaviour includes underage drinking, intimidation, assaulting people, smashing bottles and kicking bins over.
One weekend a police officer was racially abused and youths tried to scale Macclesfield’s Christmas tree.
Parents are being asked to speak to their children if it is suspected they have been involved and dispersal orders have been put in place at weekends.
So far two teenagers have been arrested for returning to the area covered by the order when under the influence of alcohol.
Officers now wear body cameras and can revisit the footage so others may face action.
Sergeant Rob Simpson, from Macclesfield police, said: “This kind of behav- iour has to stop and we are taking robust measures to force those involved to change their ways.
“But the parents of the youths involved also need to play their part in reduc- ing this anti-social behaviour.
“I am sure they would be furious if they knew what their children were getting up to at night, and would be mortified to receive a visit from us.
“We don’t wish to criminalise young people, and we work hard to prevent this from happening. But some youths are leaving us with no option, and of course having a criminal record can have a negative impact on future employment opportunities.
“If there’s a possibility that your child may be involved in this anti-social behaviour I ask you to speak to them and make them realise that they could end up with a criminal record.
“I also ask you to speak to them about the demands that this type of activity is placing on us. It is taking resources away from other things that we should be dealing with.”
To report anti-social behaviour call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.