Rapid response to louts

A council has formed its own anti-social behaviour team to target loutish behaviour and provide a rapid response to anti-social incidents on city estates.

Worcester City Council launched the initiative in response to the growing number of complaints about loutish behaviour in and around the city.

They will respond to examples of anti-social behaviour and develop a three-way mediation service between young people, the community and the police.

The Detached Anti-Social Behaviour Team will be called in as an alternative to the police.

Funded by the Safer Worcester Partnership and run in association with the council and West Mercia Police the team will target youths aged under 18.

It will offer advice and support to them as well as reassuring communities that youth crime and anti-social behaviour is being tackled in their area.

The team is committed to investigating all complaints within 24 hours.