POLICE in Cradley South and Hayley Green are clamping down on boozy foul mouthed youngsters by stepping up patrols and using mobile CCTV cameras.

Recent problems in Huntingtree Park, The Boulevard and Beecher Street has led the areas to deemed anti-social behaviour hotspots by local residents and the police.

Sergeant Heather Sloan from the Cradley South and Hayley Green Neighbourhood Policing Team has outlined the top priorities for the area.

She said: “Anti social behaviour in and around the park is an ongoing priority for the team. At the last PACT meeting it was mentioned that young people are congregating in the Boulevard as a result of security lighting being installed at the hub.

“I have tasked my officers with patrolling this area on a regular basis at key hotspot times. My main aim is to target underage drinking which seems to be the main factor for abusive and disorderly behaviour.”

She added: “Officers will be seizing the alcohol and parents will be informed. I will work with the council to identify the off licences selling to underage people.”

And the police have promised action over problems relating to Beecher Road East.

Sgt Sloan added: “Targeted patrols have been conducted in this area and surrounding roads and alleyways. Groups of young people have been dispersed and anyone found causing problems in the area has had their details taken and parents have been informed.

“ASB signs have been erected to inform young people of the consequences of anti social behaviour. The number of complaints from residents has now reduced, my team will continue with regular patrols to deter any further ASB problems.”

And the police confirmed the success of CCTV cameras is set to continue.

She added: “A Sherpa camera unit was put up in one of the alleyways off Beecher Road so that we could try and identify the offenders, this also acted as a temporary deterrent to people acting anti socially.”

The policing team will also be monitoring parking problems around Bassnage Road and Brookwillow Road.