Crackdown On Anti-social Behaviour At Play Area

Police and partner organisations are involved in a major crackdown on anti-social behaviour focusing on the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at Alvechurch after complaints from residents.

An operation has been launched which will see extra patrols by police and district council neighbourhood wardens around the MUGA at Swans Length on the Crown Meadows estate. It follows complaints about problems being caused there by teenagers swearing and shouting late into the night, knocking on doors and windows and riding mopeds on verges.

The operation will continue to run over the school summer holiday period when incidents of anti-social behaviour are usually at their peak.

Local policing officer PC Simon Albutt said: "This is a partnership initiative aimed at tackling problems at the MUGA that have been going on over a long period of time. We have already increased patrols and this will continue over the coming weeks to include the use of a CCTV van and officers with body-worn video cameras which will help us to gather evidence if we come across offending behaviour.

"We will be confiscating any alcohol found in the possession of under-age drinkers and any youths found on the MUGA after 9.30pm will be asked to leave the area.

"Officers from our Anti-Social Behaviour Unit will also be involved and will be writing Anti-Social Behaviour letters to the parents of those caught causing trouble, informing them of what their children are up to. The parents can also expect a visit from members of the Local Policing Team.

"We are determined to crack down on this problem which affects the quality of life for residents and those causing a nuisance have got to understand that their behaviour will not be tolerated."

PC Albutt said that local youth workers would also be visiting the MUGA to talk to youngsters and encourage them to get involved with the new youth club which has recently opened in the village.

Issued: Thursday 15 July 2010