Can Asbos be given to children?

I have experienced the same problems and am now at a loss what to do.

I have had my fence, garage door, plants, gate and my car damaged.

I had a ball hit my front window three times in five minutes. This happens on a daily basis. I counted on one occasion 21 children playing outside my house.

Parents must take some responsibility and teach their children respect.

I have witnessed children playing football and riding their bicycles over people's front gardens. I have challenged their behaviour and received verbal abuse.

Children as young as nine sticking their two fingers up to me. I have spoken to their parents, which resulted in violence being threatened.

I have now started to keep photographs and a diary. Every time a ball comes into the garden I advise people to hand in to the police.

If this behaviour is reported in mass repeatedly the police will undoubtedly like me lose patience and may stop this anti-social behaviour and start issuing the much debated Asbo.

On many occasions the children dash into the garden to retrieve their ball. What I find bizarre is behind my house is a large field. Why don't they use it? The children don't have anywhere to go is the reply I get.

The solution would possibly be for the council to build more play areas on parts of these fields giving the children somewhere to play.

Concerned resident, Hollinswood