YOUNGSTERS who make people's lives a misery are facing the threat of a police cell as part of a crackdown on juvenile nuisances.

The initiative by Blackburn police has already resulted in one 18-year-old spending time in custody for his attitude to officers.

And youngsters have been warned that they could find themselves in the same situation if they flout attempts to curb their anti-social behaviour.

The crackdown has been launched in Blackburn following the formation of a uniformed pro-active police team in May.

Officers, sometimes patrolling in groups of a dozen, have targeted juvenile nuisance "hot spots" in areas such as Columbia Way, Fishmoor, Brookway, Audley and the Infirmary part of town.

Around 150 juvenile nuisances have been escorted home, many in the back of a police personnel carrier.

And 300 letters have been sent out to parents telling them about their children's behaviour and asking them to do something about it. Officers have also begun searching youngsters when they question them about their activities, confiscating cigarettes and alcohol, which are often to blame for the bad behaviour of under-aged youths.

The 18-year-old was arrested during police moves to combat groups of youths congregating in cars in the Columbia Way area.

He returned to the area on Wednesday night after being warned about his conduct several months ago and was arrested for a breach of the peace after arguing with officers.

He was released without charge after spending more than three hours in custody and was later reported for motoring offences.

Chief Inspector Paul Reynolds, of Blackburn police, said: "While we understand the difficulties that young people themselves face, there are certain levels of anti-social behaviour which we are going to be firm with in the way that we deal with them." "If people's bad behaviour continues, the example from the other night will be repeated and people will find themselves in custody." The Blackburn initiative is unique in the fact it uses a team of community beat officers who have first hand knowledge of the people and areas they are dealing with.

The different approach is the idea of officers themselves, who have dealt with residents and juveniles at first hand.

Other success stories include the Brookway estate, where nuisance has been virtually wiped out.

Chief Inspector Reynolds added: "It is surprising how, with co-operation from local residents, we can solve the problem and we are now getting to find out about more incidents because people feel we can do something about it, as opposed to feeling that they are wasting police time.

"We find that when we patrol areas like Brookway now the young people are more respectful to out officers because they know what will happen if they get out of order.

"Ninety-nine per cent of children are fine anyway but parents have a major part to play in influencing their child's behaviour.

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