Dozens of children returned home in crackdown on anti social behaviour

Sep 9 2009 by Vicki Kellaway, Wallasey News

DOZENS of children were returned home following a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Police in Wirral focused on late-night under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour in parks and open spaces.

They worked with youth workers to identify and solve the reasons for the children’s behaviour.

Whenever a child was found engaging in anti-social behaviour, they were taken to a safe place in the community.

There they were assessed before a parent or guardian was contacted. The Staysafe scheme operated for nine nights in Wirral, and 62 children or young people were safely returned to their homes.

A further 10 were taken to a safe place having been found drinking in the street.

Acting Inspector Simon Fitzpatrick said: “The aim of this initiative wasn’t just about enforcement, but also about educating young people.”