Police get tough on rowdy kids

Published 15 Aug 2010 12:00

PARENTS are being told to take responsibility for their children as police take a no-nonsense approach in a clampdown on anti-social behaviour.

Operation Lawless was launched on Friday last week in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour, underage drinking, anti-social driving and rowdy behaviour, which causes a nuisance for residents at weekends and during school holidays.

Windsor and Ascot neighbourhood policing have joined forces with anti-social behaviour teams from the Royal Borough and Windsor Housing for the initiative.

The crackdown comes only weeks after The Observer reported a number of attacks at parks in Windsor and Old Windsor.

Sergeant Rob Dalton, from Windsor neighbourhood team said: "We have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour in some of our parks and public areas, particularly in Dedworth, Old Windsor, Datchet and Ascot to name a few, where a small minority are spoiling the areas for other users.

"Only last week we arrested four youngsters for causing damage to a car in Windsor - all were under the age of 17 and some were drunk. It's this sort of behaviour we're clamping down on.

"There is plenty for teenagers to do at the weekends, and out of school, and causing misery to park users should not be one of them.

"We will be out and about patrolling in hotspot areas, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, seizing alcohol if necessary and dealing robustly with those who make a nuisance of themselves.

"We will also continue to work closely with our licensing teams.

"I want to remind all parents that it is their responsibility to be aware of where their children are at all times. One of the common causes we find is teenagers as young as 14 out very late at night, often during the early hours of the morning."

As well as stepping-up patrols the teams will also look at issuing Acceptable Behaviour Contracts to those persistently involved in anti-social behaviour.

Anyone concerned about anti-social behaviour can contact the neighbourhood team on 08458 505505.

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