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A police operation to round up children who are roaming the streets late at night is to be extended after successfully curbing crime and anti-social behaviour.
Under the scheme, specially assigned officers patrol between 8pm and 3am to look out for youths who are drunk, thought to have been using drugs or appear likely to commit an offence.
They hand any they find to social workers to be assessed before they are returned home and referred to local agencies, such as drug and alcohol services, that can help address their problems.
The scheme, under which officers are also told to check on any under-18s who they find alone or accompanied by a suspicious-looking adult late at night, has already led to police taking an 11-year-old from Camden into protection.
A 14-year-old and a 15-year-old in the borough, both of whom were found drinking late at night, were also taken off the streets in a trial which those involved say brought positive results.
More of the patrols, which have also been carried out in Croydon, are planned after the Government awarded a further £25,000 grant which officials in Camden say will be a big help to their work.
Councillor James King, Camden's community safety spokesman, said: "This operation is a way of offering support and care to young people who need it. The focus is on helping children and young people who are out alone or at risk of harm from drink or drug abuse. It is not designed to restrict the freedom of older teenagers enjoying a night out."
Superintendent Raj Kohli from the Camden police partnership unit said: "This is another example of how the police and Camden council are working together to deal with anti-social behaviour and crime. The officers on these patrols are specifically experienced in dealing with young people, schools and youth-related matters. This not only improves quality of life, but keeps young people safe."
The pilot schemes in Camden and Croydon are part of a national attempt, called Operation Staysafe, to fight the problem of children roaming the streets at night.
At least 120 children across the country were taken home in one night when the scheme was launched on 9 February. The project is a key part of the Government's £100million effort to reduce youth crime, which began in July last year.
In another police scheme, officers in Harrow are trying to stop bored teenagers gathering on the streets by handing out a brochure with details of 200 free activities, including summer courses in radio production, how to draw Japanese manga-style cartoons, and training to be a lifeguard.
Reader views (5)
Probably too big brother Nu Labor style for me but I guess at least the police are out in force!
- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London, 24/07/2009 17:55
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Fine the parents heavily - they must take responsibility for the bad behaviour of their children.
- Richard Kennard, Welling, 24/07/2009 12:57
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The idea of handing out brochures with details of free activities is a great one. So simple, but then the best ideas always are.
- Liz H, London, 24/07/2009 12:07
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When are the parents if these late-night, under-age, binge drinkers going to take responsibility fot their own children ? They often admit they didnt know they were out, They should be fined heavily or even jailed for irresponsible parenting
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 24/07/2009 11:32
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Demonising our youth again? Why don't they round up all the illegal immigrants and solve a whole heap of other problems -including very serious crimes such as burglaries and hit & runs? In my area those people congregating on the streets in little alleyways and corners to drink themselves stupid are far more random and scary than daft kids on bikes calling each other names. And those who are here to drug deal, money launder, people traffick, prostitute, terrorise us are causing a far more devastating long term problem.
- Real, London, 24/07/2009 10:57
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