Police have issued parents with a stark warning after children as young as NINE have been caught 'running riot' in Stockport town centre. The message was shared to Greater Manchester Police's local Stockport page warning of an surge in anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.
After the Manchester Evening News made contact with police, it was confirmed that as well as general anti-social behaviour across the town, youngsters have been riding through the shopping centre on electric scooters and causing fights which has been intimidating shoppers.
Police are now asking parents - "do you know where your kids are?" after a 'large' increase in children, aged between nine and 17, have been travelling to the town centre and 'running riot'. Officers have been tasked with upping patrols in a bid to tackle the issue, which is causing problems for those shopping or travelling through the area.
READ MORE Armed cops stop boy on moped following alleged crimewave that 'shook' community
Beneath the post, people commented that they had witnessed groups of teenagers causing havoc at local shops, 'performing wheelies' on bikes and shouting abuse at shoppers. One said: "They are causing nothing but trouble. It is awful of a night time, I don't feel safe taking my lad out with me just to the shop as you get a load of abuse shouted at you."
Another commented "Every weekend I have been and it is full of gangs, most wearing balaclavas and acting like idiots. It puts you off wanting to go onto Stockport! I work in Stockport and I see groups of young lads again wearing balaclavas on bikes before 4pm." Followed by: "They have been terrorising the shops and people of Stockport for months."
The statement from the local division read: "Parents and guardians - Do you know where your kids are? Recently there has been a large increase in children aged nine to 17 coming to Stockport Town Centre and doing what I can only describe as running riot.
"I have charged my team to tackle this as it simply isn't fair on people who are trying to go about their daily business, be that shopping, socialising, travelling, working or any other reasons. Please can I ask you all as parents, carers and guardians to speak to your children and make sure they are not coming to the town, after school and causing issues with their friends.
"We will be using our powers of arrest where they are required and conducting home visits to speak to you if you children are involved in less serious offences. Please help us, your community and your children by doing your bit to keep them out of trouble." The Merseyway Shopping Centre and Stockport Council have been contacted for more information.
