Parents of unruly children can expect a knock at the door - as police in one UK town centre look to crack down on nuisance youths. Greater Manchester Police officers have said that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated as they continue to make the town an inviting place for all.
And they are working with partnership agencies to identify the yobs - with some parents also have been spoken to about their child's behaviour. The Daily Express recently revealed how a Neighbourhood Watch poll found 69 per cent of respondents identified antisocial behaviour such as wanton vandalism as their primary crime concern.
Bolton Police said: "With the start of the holidays, we have noticed a marked rise in anti-social behaviour, particularly within our town centres.
"With the sun shining, we want everyone to enjoy the holiday period and enjoy the local amenities. But anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly by our neighbourhood teams.
"We have no intention of stopping groups meeting up and having fun but we do need to challenge where matters cross over into criminality.
"Please have a conversation with your kids around what is expected of them so that everyone can enjoy the break."
And they added: "We have identified a number of youths and warning letters have been issued in relation to their behaviour. Parents have also been spoken to.
"The area is covered by CCTV and GMP will view footage and actively seek out those responsible if this behaviour continues."
The nature of the most recent incidents have not been revealed, but recently police arrested two teenagers as youths terrorised shopworkers in Bolton town centre.
A number of dispersal orders have been issued previously, which means police can ban certain people from an area of the town.
Just days ago Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ordered UK police to clamp down on antisocial behavious.
Earlier this month Greater Manchester’s TravelSafe Partnership released shocking footage of vandalism on the Bee Network to raise awareness among young people of the potential consequences of antisocial behaviour.
The CCTV was released as part of a campaign to run over the Easter holiday, a time when youth antisocial behaviour on the public transport network typically increases.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: "Everyone who travels or works on public transport is entitled to be safe, and feel safe, at all times.
"Public transport is hugely important for so many of our young people in helping them get to school or work, or to socialise with friends, and we know that the majority who travel on our buses and trams do so while respecting other passengers and staff.
"I urge every young person to think about how their actions could affect themselves and others.
While Kate Green, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "Public transport should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
"We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour, and through the TravelSafe Partnership, we will continue to take firm action against those who disrupt or endanger others in order to make our Bee Network safer, ensuring that everyone can travel with confidence.
"Enforcement is only one part of the solution, and we are working with schools, youth organisations, and local communities to educate young people on the impact of their actions and ensure they feel safe, valued and motivated about their future.
"We are committed to tackling the root causes of crime and antisocial behaviour, and through the Greater Than Violence strategy, we are focusing on early and timely intervention, having a community-led approach, and creating partnerships for change.
"This strategy works to improve lives by supporting all victims, families, and communities affected by violence and providing positive opportunities to those at risk.
"Everyone has a role to play in making our public spaces safer, and I urge passengers, if you see something, say something."
