The written agreements were handed to youngsters after an incident in Huyton town centre
The written agreements were handed to youngsters after an incident in Huyton town centre
Five children have been banned from entering a town centre unless they’re with a guardian after a security guard was abused while doing their job.
Knowsley Council issued the children, aged between 12 and 15, with an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement on Friday, March 21.
It comes after an incident reported in February when the council said the children refused to leave the multi-storey car park in Huyton town centre and carried out abusive behaviour towards a security guard.
An Acceptable Behaviour Agreement (ABA) is usually a written statement between a person, the police and sometimes a local authority not to carry out any behaviour that causes alarm or distress to others.
Local authorities in Merseyside have used Acceptable Behaviour Contracts as a way of getting people to take responsibility for their behaviour, when they have been involved in anti-social behaviour.
The contract specifies a list of anti-social acts which the individual agrees not to continue. Where possible the subject should be encouraged to get involved in drawing up the contract and recognise the impact of their behaviour.
It also outlines the potential repercussions for themselves and their family if the anti-social behaviour continues.
Knowsley Council issued ABAs to the individuals, aged between 12 and 15, which means they can only visit Huyton Village Centre with a parent or guardian. Breaches of the agreements can lead to further action being taken against the individuals.
Cllr Shelley Powell, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “ABAs have proven to be an effective way of preventing individuals carrying out anti-social and other forms of unacceptable behaviour.
“The action taken in this instance highlights that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in our town centres.”
Knowsley’s council added that their CCTV network of more than 1,150 cameras is monitored 24/7 and its control room has direct access to Merseyside Police which means the police can be immediately notified of any incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour occurring and police patrols can be deployed accordingly.
If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour or are a victim of a crime, you are encouraged to report this to Merseyside Police via 101, via the Merseyside Police website or by direct message on Facebook and X @MerPolCC.
Residents can also anonymously tell Police about areas where you feel unsafe because of anti-social behaviour via ‘StreetSafe’.
