Internet bid to stop yobs
Police in Telford are to trawl the internet in a bid to stop yobs organising street brawls on social networking websites, it was revealed today.Police in Telford are to trawl the internet in a bid to stop yobs organising street brawls on social networking websites, it was revealed today. They say they are determined to stamp out online aggression before violence spills into the streets. The operation comes amid national concern teenage thugs are challenging each other to scraps on sites such as Facebook, Bebo and MySpace. Police have already uncovered evidence of youngsters in Madeley, Woodside and Brookside trying to set up fights with rival groups. Officers say their crackdown will see them not only monitor the websites, but also increase foot patrols. At Easter police learned groups of youths were using the internet to taunt each other. Police say they will arrest troublesome youngsters if necessary. Read more in the Shropshire Star
Police in Telford are to trawl the internet in a bid to stop yobs organising street brawls on social networking websites, it was revealed today.
They say they are determined to stamp out online aggression before violence spills into the streets.
The operation comes amid national concern teenage thugs are challenging each other to scraps on sites such as Facebook, Bebo and MySpace.
Police have already uncovered evidence of youngsters in Madeley, Woodside and Brookside trying to set up fights with rival groups.
Officers say their crackdown will see them not only monitor the websites, but also increase foot patrols.
At Easter police learned groups of youths were using the internet to taunt each other.
Police say they will arrest troublesome youngsters if necessary.Councillor Gill Green, Telford & Wrekin Council member for Madeley, said: "I would like to reassure older people in my ward the relevant authorities are looking into this issue and I welcome moves to resolve it as soon as possible."
Telford police spokesman Constable Pete Simmonds said: "We think there have been fights arranged on these sites, so we will be monitoring them for information.
"We have been told fights were arranged over the Ea-ster break, but none actually materialised, so we will look at these websites and other forms of communication for further intelligence.
"We want to stamp it out before it happens so there will be extra resources on the ground in coming days," he added.
"We plan to disperse any gatherings we do find."
He said officers were aware of residents' concerns and extra patrols were in place to disrupt the activity.
Constable Simmonds said youths found causing trouble would be approached, spoken to and appropriately dealt with.
As part of their intelligence-led operation, police are also speaking to people in the community who might be able to assist with information.
Police are also asking parents to take responsibility and speak to their children if they suspect they are involved.
Anyone with information is asked to call Telford Police on 08457 444888.
