Youths accused of 'flashing' at residents

10:53pm Thursday 7th February 2008

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POLICE have stepped up patrols in Stacksteads after residents compl-ained about youths flashing' and causing anti-social behaviour.

And officers have vowed to act swiftly' against the youths if they break the law after issuing two fixed penalty notices to teenagers.

Police said they had received a number of complaints from residents claiming a gang of boys aged between 10 and 15 had exposed themselves, hurled eggs at people's homes and caused damage to a fence in Booth Road.

Other allegations have centred around stones and balls being thrown at cars travelling the road at the start of last week.

High visibility patrols were stepped up after police met and discussed residents' concerns.

Two teenagers have been issued with £40 fixed penalty notices for the damage to the fence, said PC Alex Downham.

He said the parents of the youths concerned have been contacted,and no incidents had been reported in the past week.

PC Downham, who has been the community beat manager for Stacksteads for four years, said: "We have issued two fixed penalty notices to the two youths and their parents have also been contacted.

"It was well received and our efforts have been successful so far.

"We have been in touch with the residents and they have confirmed there have been no further incidents.

Warning the youths, he added: "If you commit a criminal offence it will swiftly dealt with.

"Youth nuisance is one of the biggest problems in our area but they need to respect other people's property. Any residents who have problems can contact me on 07903 979019"

Stacksteads councillor Christine Lamb was not surprised over the incidents, saying: "I am not shocked to hear about this because it has happened before.

"It is happening every-where but the police seem to have nipped it in the bud."