TEN petty criminals a week are being given a “clip round the ear” instead of an official charge, it has been revealed.

Essex Police introduced “neighbourhood resolutions” in May.

The scheme sees offenders apologise, pay for damage, have a face-to-face meeting with their victim or do voluntary work instead of being charged.

They are used predominantly with first-time offenders who have committed low-level crime, such as petty theft, graffiti, vandalism or antisocial behaviour.

Colchester district commander, Chief Insp Andy Fusher, said neighbourhood resolutions had been used more than 60 times in the first six weeks.

Examples include a 38-year-old man who dumped garden waste in Birch and was told to remove it and write a letter of apology.

A 15-year-old boy who smashed a greenhouse window with a ball in Brightlingsea agreed to pay for the damage caused.

Mr Fusher said: “Essentially, these resolutions have given us our discretion back again.

“They are like giving someone a metaphorical clip round the ear.

“They have given us an ability to deal with a complaint swiftly and to deal with someone’s issue much quicker than going through the court process.”

“We don’t want to criminalise people for one small act of stupidity or when it is inappropriate.

“This scheme only works in conjunction with the victim though – they have to agree and think it is the best way to proceed.”

Neighbourhood resolutions, which were piloted in the West Midlands, Lancashire and Surrey, can be arranged within 45 minutes, thus saving police time.