Update

Groups of kids throw fireworks, swear at shop staff and make the lives of Knowsley residents miserable.

Knowsley Local Policing Inspector, Jennifer Murray, has spoken out about the consequences for parents if they do not take accountability for their children’s antisocial behaviour.

Inspector Murray said:

“The behaviour of some of these children has actually shocked me. I say children, because while some that we’re seeing in these groups are over 16, some are very young indeed. Far too young to be out crossing roads unaccompanied, let alone throwing lit fireworks into shops. They are putting themselves, and others, in very real danger.

“Their being allowed to repeatedly endanger themselves and others verges on the negligent. We know who these children are, and we will be engaging with all our partner agencies to ensure that they get the care, structure and support their parents are not giving them.

“With offenders of this age, the buck ultimately has to stop with those responsible for their care.  Whether that comes in the form of fines, housing interventions, or something more serious. These children are being failed. They deserve better than to just be left to wander the street with gangs of older teenagers, until the police intervene.

“It’s absolutely not a valid excuse for parents and carers to pretend they thought their kids were just ‘at the shop’ – like they  couldn’t have imagined they were causing trouble.  We’ve heard it so many times – it doesn’t wash.

“For the older ASB offenders, who think that it’s acceptable to terrorise local businesses and residents – and whose caregivers let them - I will be instructing my teams to utilise the full extent of their powers in delivering the consequences of their actions to them.

“The entire community shouldn’t have to pay the price because the parents of these young people don’t want to take responsibility for their children. They must be held accountable.”