Groups of Youth Cause Concern.

Councillor Phil Bateman said "I am becoming increasingly concerned about the number of times that I have had to contact the police in the course of the last 11 months concerning groups of youths that are roaming the streets of Wednesfield North causing criminal damage and vandalism."

He went onto say "This culture seems to be on the rise, and a quick scan of my records show that I am making more calls on the police to deal with incidents that are being reported to me, than you would expect in an area like Wednesfield.

I think that the police need to be able to reassure residents that their current tactics are delivering a safer Wednesfield. My fear is that we are 'drifting' into a more difficult perhaps more violent phase.

One of the issues that continually re-occur when I interview constituents is that the groups of youths are growing larger. My fear is that these groups will turn into more structured gangs.

I shall be asking a number of questions as we move towards the end of the year from the Authorities about issues of criminal damage, and the actions that are being taken to reduce crime associated with groups here in this Ward.

I know general crime figures are very good for Wednesfield North, with other crimes like burglary motor crimes etc , showing very decent falls. Wednesfield is a very desirable place to live, and I want to ensure that it remains so!"