POLICE dispersed gangs of up to 50 rowdy teenagers following complaints of noise, drinking and anti-social behaviour in a park.
Officers seized alcohol from youngsters and issued warnings about behaviour during the two-night operation at Ridgeway Grundy Park, Lymm.
They targeted the park after nearby residents had passed on information about the
gangs.
Residents were also concerned about large amounts of litter being left in the park overnight.
Some told police they were regularly clearing up in the park after the youngsters at weekends.
The officers, led by Sergeant Graham Robinson, spoke to more than 50 youths, aged between 13-19, about their behaviour and how it is affecting people living nearby.
Officers took the details of the teenagers before seizing alcohol and dispersing the group – advising the youngsters to head home.
PSCO Ian Carter, who covers the Lymm area, said: “This was a significant operation for us and targeting the problem in this way allowed us to send out a strong message to the youths that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in the area and that they should not be littering the park.”
Sergeant Robinson said: “We took the details of the youths who were in the park and warned them about their behaviour. They were told that if it persists we will take positive action against them. “We are actively targeting areas where youths are acting in an anti-social manner and would urge residents to continue reporting incidents to us.
“Young people should be warned that if we find them under the influence of alcohol we will take them home to their parents.”
Sergeant Robinson said police were committed to tackling alcohol related crime and disorder and were regularly visiting off-licenses and licensed premises to ensure they were enforcing police campaigns to stamp out underage drinking.
He urged residents to continue reporting any incidents of anti-social behaviour to police.
He added: “We are listening to what the local community is telling us and are using this intelligence to help us build up a bigger picture of what is happening in the area – and the most appropriate ways of dealing with any issues.”
Residents can contact Sergeant Robinson or any officer from the Warrington South Community Action Team by calling 0845 458 6372.
