YOUNG people in Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton are being urged to use a new freephone helpline if they suffer problems after being subject to street robbery.

Known as 'taxing' by youngsters, the robberies can be traumatic and are on the increase, especially at bus and railway stations.

Now Greater Manchester Police Authority have launched the freephone helpline as part of National Youth Week which runs until November 9.

HIndley Green councilor Stephen Murphy, Chairman of the Authority, said: "Through our consultation with young people they have expressed concern about 'taxing' on the streets. This is a serious crime about which the police need information in order to combat."

The 'taxing' slang is merely a new word for mugging, with youngsters being particularly vulnerable to attack for their clothes, footwear, money and cycles, with designer labels on clothing and footwear especially attracting the yobs who prey on their victims as they travel to and from school.

Cllr Murphy added: "Young people need to be encouraged to report these incidents but in many cases need support and advice and counselling to help them to do this."

The new freephone hotline number is 0800 614458.

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