Sweet success for Operation Treacle

Bury Police, Council and Fire Service have teamed up to give hard hitting messages to young people and their parents about getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

They took part in Operation Treacle which ran from 22 October to 5 November, taking in Bonfire Night and Halloween. Any young person caught by the police committing anti-social behaviour, drinking underage or misusing fireworks was invited to a two-hour educational surgery held on 7 November at Bury Police Station and 8 November at Whitefield Fire Station. 

A total of 26 young people attended with their parent or guardian, out of 49 who were given letters inviting them to attend. Those who did not attend will be dealt with by the police for their offences. Some of the offences committed by people attending the session included throwing eggs, putting fireworks under a car and possession of cannabis.

Another key partner in the initiative was Early Break, which provides treatment advice and support to young people and their families with drug and alcohol related needs. On the two evenings, the young people and their parents were given a range of presentations about the negative effects of cannabis and alcohol, the consequences of committing crime and anti-social behaviour and the risks of misusing fireworks. 

Sgt Marie Ratcliffe from Bury East Neighbourhood Policing Team said:  “The information given by all the agencies left those young people and their parents under no illusion about what would happen if they continued to behave in this way. This time of year sees a spike in reports of anti-social behaviour and the residents of Bury should not have to put up with nuisance, whether it’s seeing gangs of young people drunk on the street or having eggs thrown at them. The feedback especially from parents tells us that the events had a real impact, much more so than a warning or caution, and will encourage them to take responsibility for the behaviour of their children.”

Councillor John Smith, lead member for community safety, said: “The council is always striving with its partners to find innovative ways to target anti-social behaviour. We hope that as a result of this intervention the young people will make more positive choices about how they spend their time.”

If you are a concerned parent or carer and want further information about accessing support for your child from Early Break go to www.Earlybreak.co.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 November 2012.