POLICE have reported 25 youngsters to their parents following a three-day undercover operation to tackle problems with gangs of youths in Radcliffe.

But they say they have been shocked by the lack of interest shown by the mothers and fathers of those involved in trouble.

One officer said he had not had a single call from parents to ask what their children had been up to, despite letters being sent to the families of those involved.

The crackdown took place in the Coronation Road, Spring Lane, Lord Street and Festival Gardens area. Although no criminal activity was detected, letters went out to the parents of 25 teenagers whose behaviour was deemed unacceptable and a cause of nuisance.

Inspector John Higson, head of Radcliffe township who co-ordinated the plain clothes operation, said: "We expected to receive phone calls from some parents with regard to the letters and their children's behaviour. "Sadly, not one of the recipients has contacted us to find out exactly what their child has been doing. Maybe, they have been dealt with in private, but there is no way of really knowing."

The police operation followed threats by shopkeepers and residents in the areas for action to deal with the gangs of teenagers running wild. Many called for a curfew on the streets of Radcliffe to solve the problem.

Other business bosses threatened to quit unless vandalism and abuse were tackled.

One 18-year-old was arrested during the operation for being drunk and disorderly while the 25 teenagers reported for their behaviour were responsible for general nuisance matters.

"Since the action, things appear to have quietened down," said Insp Higson. "Word quickly spread around the streets about our operation and the number of calls from the public dropped dramatically.

"We will continue to give these areas attention and positive action will be taken if the evidence is available, whether an officer sees an offence being committed or a member of the public is prepared to make a statement."