LOTHIAN and Borders Police and their partners are launching a new initiative to prevent children in East Lothian becoming involved in antisocial behaviour.
Community Beat Officers, Fiona Gilchrist and Tom Hall, have been engaging with the local communities in and schools Prestonpans, Port Seton Longniddry to discuss the issue of antisocial behaviour in the Under 12 age group.
Current legislation is aimed primarily at those aged 12 and over.
However, an increase in reports relating to younger offenders has recently been noted and a new campaign to tackle this issue will launch on Wednesday 18th April.
Local policing teams in the area will work alongside key partners at East Lothian Council and education bodies along with the Youth Justice Officer and Antisocial Behaviour Monitoring team to identify vulnerable children and enrol them in positive and constructive programmes.
A number of activities have already been earmarked for the participants including sporting, art and music.
Sergeant Hamish MacLean said: “This initiative is aimed at taking local youths, who are already involved, or at risk of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour, and offer them a viable and suitable alternative that keeps them out of the adverse attention of police.
“Officers will engage with the children and their families to address any issues that may be responsible for antisocial behaviour and then work alongside our partners to provide an appropriate diversionary activity.
“Antisocial behaviour often leads to more serious crimes and it is essential that we reach the younger members of our communities as early as possible to ensure they do not fall into a detrimental lifestyle.”
