Youths identified as efforts stepped up on anti-social behaviour

Around 16 youngsters have been identified as causing problems, a councillor has told residents.

CCTV cameras run by Gosport Borough Council have been installed at Ark Royal House to give a view across the estate in Rowner.

In the past four weeks there have been 20 reports of anti-social behaviour in Gosport, police said.

Councillor Tony Jessop, ward councillor for Grange, said police had taken action against the youths.

He added the action comes after missiles were thrown at buses over the summer, leading to services being suspended by company First.

Youths had also tailgated into Ark Royal House and there was evidence of someone setting a fire, he added.

Cllr Jessop told The News: ‘People were getting concerned and were upset about it. My policy is that we will never allow it to go back to what it was.

‘It has moved on so far and we want to maintain that. We will act robustly.’

It comes after police, the council and other organisations held a meeting in mid-November to address the problem.

Some of the youths allegedly involved have been taken to court.

Seven were sent warnings from the housing associations First Wessex of Home Group, depending on where they live on the estate.

Sgt Tracy Scrase, from Gosport Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: ‘The reports we have received relate to criminal damage, noise nuisance, and public order offences.’

She added: ‘We have identified a number of teenagers in the area who may be involved and are pursuing various options including speaking to parents and seeking convictions for criminal offences where appropriate.

‘We did offer overtime to officers working in the town in an effort to provide a strong presence where hot spots were identified.

‘This was in addition to our usual patrols and appears to have reduced the number of reports of anti-social behaviour before the problem escalated to more serious offending. I would like to emphasise to people living in the area that we still need your help.’

Cllr Jessop added charities Motiv8 and Y Services have put on patrols during six evenings each week up until Christmas talking to any young people they meet on the streets.

Troubled families have also been offered further support. Anyone who sees anti-social behaviour is urged to call police on 101.