A GANG of teenagers inflicting misery on residents both young and old have been warned their reign of terror will be brought to an end, as police vow to take action.

Essex Police are working closely with Colchester Council and Colchester Borough Homes in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in Greenstead.

In recent weeks various reports have suggested a single cohort of hoodlums, described as “out of control”, have been causing havoc throughout the estate.

Harry Ayan, 43, who has lived in Greenstead for 18 years, saw the gang’s latest attack unfold before his eyes, as 13 louts tormented an ill and elderly man.

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“He hardly comes out but I think he saw them doing something to the Tripper House building and that is why he yelled at them,” added Mr Ayan.

“After going inside a hooded teen jumped over his fence and literally full pelt kicked his door open before running off with the others.

“It had gotten better here, but in the past year it has gone downhill. If any of these teens live with parents then they should foot the bill for any criminal damage.”

READ MORE: Colchester: Elderly residents terrorised by Greenstead gang

As part of the force’s crackdown, six youngsters have been arrested on suspicion of causing £10,000 worth of criminal damage and racially aggravated offences.

In a bid to prevent further rampages officers are also engaging with schools to ensure children are aware of the consequences of getting involved in antisocial behaviour.

On Monday evening a community meeting will also be held at the Greenstead Community Centre to further discuss anti-social behaviour in the area.

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A police spokesman said: “This issue is being taken seriously and tactics are in place to tackle the issue, including patrols and the use of stop and search powers.

“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.

“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.”

 

Karen Williams, head of housing management at Colchester Borough Homes said her team is determined to halt anti-social behaviour in the area.

She said: “A huge amount of coordinated work has been undertaken in the past few months to tackle youth related anti-social behaviour affecting residents in Greenstead.

“All the agencies involved are coordinated and working well together, and sources in the community have suggested our activities are beginning to make a difference – although we know there is still some way to go.

“The situation is complex and inevitably some of this ongoing work will take time to achieve a lasting result. 

"CBH is fully committed to improving the situation and is confident that, with the continued support of the other agencies involved, we will succeed in ending the problem.”