Police to get tough on rampaging yobs
MINDLESS yobs who threw missiles at police officers are making villagers' lives a misery. Recent incidents include arson attacks and windows being smashed at Bassingbourn's schools, with primary school pupils left without lunch on Friday due to shattered glass scattered around the kitchen. Now Cambridgeshire Police have launched a "zero tolerance" crackdown on hooligans responsible for a spate of arson attacks, vandalism and underage drinking in the village. Coun Jack White, chairman of the parish council, said: "It's totally mindless behaviour that costs a fortune to fix. There is just no respect - it is a terrible state of affairs. They are making people's lives a misery. "There are 13 and 14-yearolds running around at 2am causing problems. The police have not been doing their job, but it looks like they have been stung by recent events and galvanised into taking effective action." Sgt Mark Kathro, responsible for policing in the village, has abandoned a low key approach after a mob of youths on the recreation ground pelted a police car when PCSOs tried to disperse them last Thursday. Many of the youths travel from Royston to cause trouble. A meeting was held yesterday to discuss the problem. Sgt Kathro said: "When it gets to the stage where missiles are being thrown at my officers it gives me the hump. Now it's got to be more of a zero tolerance policy. "On Thursday the kitchen was trashed at the junior school. On Friday the pupils didn't have school meals because of the damage. "I am confident it is the same group of people who have been setting light to bins and benches around the rec." Regular patrols by troops at Bassingbourn Barracks have been stepped up to deter troublemakers from the recreation ground, schools and South End and North End. On September 29, a suspected arson attack on the 200-year-old United Reformed Church was only put out when it was spotted by quick-thinking neighbour Rupert Webb. Sgt Kathro hopes new powers will allow officers to disperse youths from the village. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders will be used in a crackdown. Trading Standards officers will also work with local shops to reduce under-age drinking. http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/city/2007/10/10/2a2db2b9-aa9c-4c16-aa8a-70c1f459f28c.lpf
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