Police are cracking down on youth nuisance by sending letters to parents warning them their children are intimidating residents.
The initiative - unveiled this week by Pitsea police - has been praised by a human rights organisation for being good community policing.
Youths hanging around in large groups in problem areas will be asked to give their details and parents will be sent a letter informing them what their children are up to.
PC Diane Capon, community liaison officer for Pitsea police, said: "We are not just stopping kids who are hanging around doing nothing. We are targeting areas where residents are reporting problems. For example, by an old people's home, kids have been knocking on doors and running off. This is not a crime in itself, but it can be very unsettling."
The station is about to send out the first 30 letters to parents, explaining their child has been part of a large group in a problem area, but also making it clear the youths have done nothing wrong.
PC Capon said: "It is important parents know where their children are and also who they are with."
Published Monday, February 24, 2003
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