Nuisance youngsters join officers on patrol

Nuisance youngsters will be switching to the right side of the law when they join police on patrol around Tipton.

The new scheme to cut anti-social behaviour, will see troublemakers asked to sign a contract agreeing to go on patrol with officers.

Dubbed an 'acceptable behaviour contract', it is an agreement between the individual, their parents or guardian and the police officer involved, and it is hoped the scheme will prevent the behaviour from occurring again. A schoolboy who admitted criminal damage is first to go.

The 14-year-old threw a plank of wood through the window of a bus in Powis Avenue, Tipton.

He has also agreed to help paint the Jubilee Park community centre on Powis Avenue over the Christmas holiday.

Inspector Dale Randle, from Tipton police station, said: "We want to try and show the youngsters the impact their behaviour can have on the local community.

"By taking them out on patrol with officers we will be able to show them that anti-social behaviour is not a victimless crime and hopefully instill some moral responsibility.

"Officers will also be able to use the time to talk to the individuals to try and understand the route cause of their behaviour and get them any support they need."

The scheme is being piloted after growing concerns from the community about anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the area.

The youngsters will be taken to neighbourhood forum meetings where they will hear from local residents about the consequences of anti-social behaviour. They will also be deliberately taken to hotspot areas so they can see what the police have to deal with on a regular basis.

For more details about policing or to speak to your policing team call 0845 113 5000 or visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/sandwell