ELDERLY residents on an estate in Colchester are being terrorised by a gang of hoodlums who are making their lives a misery, it has been claimed.

Eyewitnesses living in Greenstead have reported seeing as many as 13 teenage louts repeatedly “causing havoc” in the area with no regard for the consequences.

The former Tripper House building, which is now empty and deserted, is said to be frequently broken into and damaged by the group.

Older and more vulnerable residents living in neighbouring bungalows have also been on the receiving end of the gang’s disgusting behaviour.

One dog walker, for example, recently said he saw a teenager kick one of the homes’ front door in the before running away laughing.

Gazette:

Tim Young, Colchester councillor for the Greenstead ward, is aware of the ongoing havoc being caused by the thugs and says their actions have left him sickened.

He said: “This group of youngsters is out of control and they are causing mayhem in Greenstead and we do not need it.

“The vast majority of people here have a great community spirit and are just getting on with their lives.

“Why they want to target elderly people is beyond me, and it is despicable because they are making their lives a misery.”

The latest incident come after Greenstead residents held a meeting to discuss how best to tackle the “terrorising” anti-social behaviour plaguing the area.

It also follows the arrests of six young people in Greenstead on suspicion of causing £10,000 worth of criminal damage and racially aggravated offences.

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Mr Young has now stressed it time to bring the gang’s destructive rampage to an end and crack down on their antics.

He added: “The police and the housing providers are aware of what is going on and we are taking strong action again them and hopefully they will stop.

“The problem is what more can we do? They do not seem to respond to parental control and they do not have any respect for the police.”

An additional community meeting will be held to further discuss anti-social behaviour in Greenstead on Monday at the Greenstead Community Centre.

Gazette:

A spokesman for Essex Police added: "We are aware of a small group of young people engaging in antisocial behaviour which is concerning residents in parts of Greenstead.

"This issue is being taken seriously and tactics are in place to tackle the issue, including – but not limited to – proactive, visible patrols and the use of stop and search powers.

"This issue is not one which we are tackling alone, and we are in close contact with our partners, including Colchester Borough Homes and Colchester Borough Council.

"Where perpetrators of crimes are identified, action is being taken in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, criminal charges but also community resolutions and referrals to the Youth Offending Service, a multi-agency group which decides on the most appropriate outcome for the young person involved.

"Greenstead also has a dedicated PCSO, who is acutely aware of the issues being raised by residents and councillors in Greenstead. The information provided to her informs our patrols as well as our preventative and response tactics.

"We also regularly engage with schools to ensure children are aware of the consequences of engaging in antisocial behaviour.

"We continue to encourage people to report non-emergency incidents to us by calling 101 or reporting online at https://www.essex.police.uk/. This means we can obtain the most accurate picture of incidents and can act accordingly."