Parents warned as gangs of youths damage park
A spate of ‘youth disorder’ at a popular Washington park has sparked a stark warning to parents following reports groups are responsible for repeated damage.
Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council have appealed to parents to make sure they know where their children are going following a spate of anti-social behaviour at Usworth Park, Washington.
Last month, the Echo reported a number of shocking incidents such as trees being set on fire and fires, youths urinating in the park and slates being pulled from the roof of the bowling club buildings.
A number of report of criminal damage and littering at the park have been reported to the police in recent weeks.
And the city council has warned persistent anti-social behaviour could lead to youths and their parents/guardians being fined or even prosecuted for failing to act.
Sergeant Patrick Scott, of Northumbria Police, said: “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we understand the corrosive and harmful impact that the actions of a minority can have on the wider community.
“As a result, uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be carrying out targeted patrols in the area and anybody found to be involved can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”
Pictures show some of the damage which has been reported to Northumbria Police in recent weeks.
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This behaviour is causing a nuisance to members of the community and a drain on public resources.
“The council is working with Northumbria Police, Gentoo and other agencies to tackle this anti-social behaviour and parents are being urged to ensure they know where your children are going, who they are with, and what they are doing.
“Persistent anti-social behaviour will result enforcement action against the youths and parents/guardians for failing to act. This may include enforcement action against tenancies, fixed penalty notices, acceptable behaviour agreements, community protection notices, prosecutions, criminal behaviour orders and civil injunctions.”
Anyone with information call police via 101, the council on 0191 520 5550 or Gentoo on 0191 525 5006.