Parents put in picture as young yobs wreak havoc
Some of the pictures of children released by police
POLICE are cracking down on antisocial behaviour by sharing CCTV images of suspected troublemakers online so their parents can see what they’ve been getting up to.
Over the past few weeks, a large gang of youths have been causing mayhem in Leigh town centre.
They’ve been intimidating members of the public, causing damage to businesses, and been abusive towards those who work there.
The kids were also caught ‘putting their lives in danger’ by climbing up scaffolding at Poundland and Leigh town hall.
Local bobbies say they have been inundated with calls about the group’s behaviour since the beginning of last month – and fear things will only escalate as the nights draw in.
Trouble hotspots – such as Bradshawgate, McDonalds and Leigh Library – have been identified, and police are working with CCTV operators to keep an eye on things.
Leigh PCSO Jessica Dunlop said a patrol plan has been put in place and that some of the youths have already been identified and their parents spoken to. Officers will be contacting local schools to help get the names of others involved.
She explained a new ‘contact card’ system was being put in place. These cards will be sent to the community resilience team and when a child reaches three cards they’ll be asked to attend a police station with a parent and given a verbal warning by a sergeant or inspector.
Targeted youth services will also be working with the group alongside police, council and schools.
PCSO Dunlop added: “We have utilised Facebook and social media to update the community regarding the problems and the actions we are taking and also collecting community intelligence on who the children are.
“We have done this to make the local parents aware of what their children may be up to so they can address their poor behaviour. The children’s faces have been pixelated to protect their identity but sufficient left so parents can recognise their children, which has also proved positive.”