Teen yobs forced to sign special behaviour contracts by police 

Youths caught committing anti social behaviour are now being forced to sign special ‘good behaviour’ contracts with Merseyside police

A number of young teens in Southport have been made to sign special behaviour contracts with Merseyside Police after a series of anti-social behaviour incidents in the town

More such contracts are likely, say police, following a busy 24 hours for officers which saw seven teenagers and one boy as young as 12 either arrested or cautioned in the town between Thursday, November 3 and Friday, November 4

Windows at Eastbank House and the Lakeside Minature Railway were smashed, while police were dispatched to Botanic Gardens to reports of youths throwing lit fireworks at passing cars.

Eggs were also thrown at the Atkinson Arts Centre during Mischief night and worried guests at the Vincent hotel had a close shave when youths were seen setting off fireworks in the Band Stand, some which went worryingly close to the surrounding buildings

Because of recent events, officers from the Southport Neighbourhood policing team have promised a crackdown on ongoing anti-social behaviour, stating that in recent weeks they have made positive steps to curb the yobs’ behaviour

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “Over recent months, neighbourhood officers have continued to collect evidence to identify the key individuals responsible for anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Southport town centre and surrounding areas

“This has led to us bringing the first of a number of people into the police station in order to address the issues.

“Following specific reports of ASB, where they have been identified, two teenage boys attended Southport Police Station with their parents.

“Both boys signed Acceptable Behaviour Contracts agreeing to certain conditions, relative to incidents they have been involved in.

“If the boys breach these conditions this will escalate to a Civil Injunction, carrying a power of arrest if the conditions are breached. This process will continue in the coming weeks, for other individuals identified as responsible for anti-social behaviour in the town centre and other areas of the town.