Officers in Salford are cracking down on anti-social behaviour – and an Inspector has said that parents of misbehaving youths can expect a knock at the door.
As the summer nights continue and our streets stay illuminated by that great yellow ball in the sky, you can be sure people will be out and about enjoying the warmer weather before you can ask ‘should we buy blackout curtains?’
The vast majority of people – young and old – enjoy the nights respectfully and peacefully. Whether enjoying a drink in the garden with a friend or playing football in the local park until owls start to stir, summer is a great reason to get out and socialise.
Unfortunately, some people take the opportunity to cause problems and ruin the enjoyment for others.
In recent weeks, neighbourhood officers in Walkden and the surrounding areas have received reports of groups of young people gathering in different places and engaging in anti-social behaviour. This includes reports of harassing staff at shops and restaurants, throwing stones at cars, and causing a nuisance for the public.
In response, Little Hulton, Walkden, and Worsley neighbourhood officers have stepped up high-visibility patrols, while working with partners and local schools in identifying some of the youths causing the problems.
Neighbourhood officers have further identified suspected offenders from CCTV, which has seen several orders and punishments handed out. Further orders are due to be issued, which may also result in offenders being visited and parents spoken to. Officers will continue to identify more youths and issue the appropriate punishments until the ASB issues are resolved.
Inspector Steve Corless, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “I will not tolerate groups causing anti-social behaviour for those in our community. We take a robust approach to these reports and we are working hard to break up known ASB hotspots, deterring those who seek to cause a nuisance from being in the area.
“While our work is ongoing, I would ask parents to know what their children get up to. If your child is spending hours away in the evening and at night-time, it is important to know what they could be doing, both for their safety and the safety of others. While the overwhelming majority of young people are well-behaved, some cause problems – and their parents can expect a knock on the door from our officers.
“I would ask anyone who has any reports of anti-social behaviour to please contact us – visit a PACT meeting, have a chat with an officer out on patrol, or call us on 101. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
