Residents claim they have spotted children as young as 11 hanging around with the 'gang'
A gang of youths are causing “chaos” in a Rhondda town and worried local residents say: “It’s gone too far”.
The group of around 30 youths have been engaging in anti-social behaviour and a number of criminal activities around Treorchy , according to locals at a PACT (Partners And Communities Together) meeting.
Led by a small number of “ring-leaders”, residents say children as young as 11 have been spotted with the gang, who loiter in the areas surrounding Treorchy railway station.
South Wales Police said they are aware of the “significant increase” in anti-social behaviour in the area over the last six weeks and as a result have increased patrols in the area.
But residents who have been affected by the behaviour, which they claim includes breaking and entering, trespassing, causing criminal damage, drug use and fighting, said more needs to be done - especially in the mornings before school starts.
One parent said their child is “petrified” to go to school, while another said some children are walking miles to get to school to avoid passing the “intimidating” gang.
A PACT meeting was held at Treorchy Boys and Girls Club on Monday to discuss the issues and was chaired by PCSO Deri Cashell, who covers the Treorchy and Cwmparc area.
What did the local PCSO say?
He explained how South Wales Police are working with British Transport Police, the local council and schools to tackle the issue under an operation called ‘Blue Zurich’.
“I understand that kids in the local area have been causing chaos around certain areas of Treorchy,” he told the meeting of around 15 local residents.
“There’s been a spike in anti-social behaviour, with a couple of ring-leaders - around four or five older kids - at the forefront.
“We are aware of this, we know who they are and we are going through the appropriate procedure.”
He added: “We are going to hit it hard - no more now. It’s escalated enough and it’s gone up through the chain of command.”
15-year-old arrested on suspicion of assault
Residents at the PACT meeting said the anti-social behaviour reached a climax on Friday, September 30, following an assault outside the Park and Dare theatre where a 15-year-old boy suffered injuries.
Police said a 15-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Local business owners targeted
A local business owner at the meeting said their factory had been targeted by the youths on a number of occasions.
The business owner - who asked not to be named - said: “There’s a few ring-leaders which seem attracted to danger and hell raising. They think they’re above the law and it’s gone too far now.
“We’ve seen them vandalising our factory, attempting to set bins on fire and climbing on the roof.
“I’m not only concerned as a business owner, I’m concerned for their safety - someone could die and they’re just not listening.
“I don’t think they realise the future impact of their actions - they could get a criminal record. It worries me that one day, they will grow up, have kids and get qualifications only to be held back by their actions as a child.”
Another parent at the meeting said: “These kids want to be big gangsters. We’re not living in London or Cardiff. They even have their own gang name. It’s unbelievable.”
Appeal to parents
PC Julian Williams, Neighbourhood Beat Manager for Treherbert and Treorchy, said: “We have seen not only an increase in anti-social behaviour but we are now seeing an increase in the seriousness of this.
“There have been a number of incidents including fires being set, burglaries and criminal damage.
“We believe it is local teenagers committing these crimes who have possibly told their parents they are staying at a friend’s house or camping, whereas they are actually roaming the streets.
“We are urging parents to double check where their young people are and check with their friends’ parents that they are in a safe environment.
“We are carrying out increased patrols and a number of investigations. The young people involved may just think they are having a laugh but we take anti-social behaviour seriously.
“If a young person is found to have committed an offence it could affect their future including choice of college, travel opportunities and future career.”
If you witness any anti-social or criminal behaviour in the area, or if you have any concerns, call South Wales Police on 101.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/gang-youths-causing-chaos-setting-11977173
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