Estate becomes yob-free zone

Gangs of up to 200 youths have terrorised the Patcham estate, smashing windows, damaging cars trampling gardens and causing disturbances at 2am.

The Anti-social Behaviour Act, which became law on January 20, gives police powers to move on and, if necessary, arrest rowdy youths. Until now, police could not arrest anyone who refused to disperse.

A senior officer can designate an area for police action and Chief Superintendent Paul Curtis, head of Brighton and Hove police, approved the plan for Patcham last week.

Home Office funds have been provided to pay overtime for a sergeant and five officers to boost regular patrols.

It means police can order the dispersal of any groups considered intimidating or threatening.

Anyone refusing to move on can be arrested and taken to court where they could face fines or jail.

Police can also escort children under 16 found on the streets between 9pm and 6am back to their homes.

Parents who consistently fail to control their children can be issued with parenting orders which, if breached, could also result in a court appearance.

Chief Inspector Lance Gray, who is responsible for Patcham, conceded the new powers clashed with fundamental rights.

He said: "The 1361 Statute of Rights permits people to gather in public places but we have thoroughly researched our case if the new powers are challenged.

"We have 98 reports of incidents of criminal damage and rowdy behaviour.

"The children's playground has been left covered in broken glass and litter.

"Each individual incident may not seem serious but the cumulative effect on residents is massive.

"The main problem is youngsters misusing alcohol and local shops have been cracking down on sales. We intend taking action against youths trying to get adults to buy drink for them."

Mr Gray said the crackdown had received full backing from the local action team, including Patcham High School head teacher Liz Fletcher and councillors.

Patcham was a low-crime area but gangs of youths were spoiling the quality of life for many residents.

Carden Avenue, the clock tower at the junction of Ladies Mile Road and Mackie Avenue and the bowling club in Mackie Avenue were trouble hotspots.

He said: "We don't want it to appear we are picking on youngsters or stopping them meeting friends. This is not a curfew but rowdy, intimidating behaviour likely to cause distress will not be tolerated."

The crackdown is effective for the next six months but can be extended. Other areas of the city may also be designated.

Woodingdean has seen big reductions in youth problems but it could be next on the list.

Mr Gray said the new initiative was in addition to Operation Athlete, already running to tackle hooliganism on estates.

Jean Smith, the city's violent crime reduction officer, has organised Home Office partnership funding to police the action.

She said: "We needed to make sure this was not going to be a toothless tiger. This is ground-breaking action, the first in the country, and is really important in providing the reassurance people have been calling for."

Patcham councillors Brian Pidgeon and Geoffrey Theobald joined a police patrol on the estate on the evening of February 13.

Coun Pidgeon said: "We have had youngsters driving round at high speed with blaring music in the early hours. The bowling club has had to build a fence round the greens after vandalism.

"Something had to be done."