A group of youths in Letchworth charged with 28 offences following six month police operation.

Operation Kinematic was set up in response to an increase in the number of incidents of anti–social behaviour.

The offences include theft, common assault, criminal damage, public order, robbery and being in possession of a bladed article.

Working with partner agencies officers have identified eight youths aged between 12 and 15 who are linked to anti-social behaviour issues in the area.

Other tactics that have been used to tackle the problem include:

Two dispersal orders granted with increased proactive patrols. (25 – 26 May, and 2 August).

These orders minimise the impact of the children’s behaviour and allow officers to remove people from an area and make it a crime if this is not complied with.

Community Safety Sergeant Simon Mullan said: “This group of young people have truly affected the lives of local residents with their persistent anti-social behaviour. I hope our actions have reassured the community that we do take this kind of behaviour very seriously.

“However there is not always a short term fix. As well as dealing with the offences that have been committed we also need to look for long term solutions to prevent the behaviour continuing. This includes working with parents and schools and referrals made to diversionary projects. I would like to thank the local community for their continued patience and support with this matter.”

If you have any concerns around anti-social behaviour and would like to speak to a local officer, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101. Alternatively you can also report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report.