|
5 Teens issued with
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts in Crosby
MERSEYSIDE Police Officers have been
working in conjunction with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) in
investigating a series of suspected arson incidents in the Rimrose Valley area
of Crosby area earlier this month. Following enquiries, a group of teenagers
aged between 13 and 15 have been identified and issued with Acceptable Behaviour
Contracts (ABCs). This means that Officers have spoken to appropriate adults and
agreed a course of action with the teenagers. Officers from the local Community
Policing Team will continue to monitor the area and will also robustly deal with
any breaches of these ABCs.
Station Manager Paul Kay, Arson Reduction Co-ordinator for Merseyside Fire and
Rescue Service, said:- "Arson is a serious criminal offence which puts
people's lives at risk, causes damage to homes, businesses and community
facilities and impacts on wildlife and the environment. It can range from
mindless criminal damage to a deliberately targeted attack but, either way, the
potentially deadly consequences remain the same. If fire appliances are called
out to deliberate fires this may delay the response to other emergencies, which
could endanger lives elsewhere. We want to make people aware that deliberately
setting fires in a public place is arson and, if caught, those responsible may
face legal action."
Local Policing Superintendent Matt Boyle said:- "This issue was
understandably causing worry and distress to the people of Crosby and
following some great partnership work involving Merseyside Fire and Rescue
Service (MFRS) and ourselves, action has been taken, with the full support of
the families of those involved. I would like to emphasise how seriously we treat
suspected arson and all anti social behaviour, and any information will be acted
upon, so contact us early on and we can deal quickly and effectively with any
problems. ABCs are an early intervention which we will look to pursue against
individuals who are perceived to be engaging in anti social behaviour. It allows
people to cease and change certain activities they are involved in. Breaches of
the order will lead to warnings and if necessary further, more serious action."
Anyone with information on anti social behaviour is asked to contact:- 101 or
you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and for
free, on:- 0800 555 111 or report
online.
|
