POLICE have said they are doing all they can to try and deter young trouble-makers from causing more problems in Wellington.

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour issues in Wellington Park, for example, happen on a regular basis and Sgt Jon O’Connor has told local councillors that officers are doing what they can to nip things in the bud and try and re-educate culprits on the error of their ways.

“The park was flooded with officers over half-term and we spoke to the young people,” he said at Wellington Town Council’s monthly meeting on Monday (June 2).

He said letters of concern from the police had been sent to some local schools hoping to get the message across that they are looking to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Councillors thanked Sgt O’Connor for the efforts of him and his officers to make Wellington a better and safer place.

And the Mayor, Cllr Janet Lloyd, said: “Thank you for engaging with the young people.”

Sgt O’Connor said he was keen to try and get the younger brothers and sisters of those who might be involved in anti-social behaviour away from following a similar path when older.

“We need to divert those siblings into other activities,” he said.

Cllr Andy Govier said that petty vandalism in the town was “mindless” and it was sad that work to try and improve places like Wellington Park was being undone by a “few individuals.”

The council’s chief executive and town clerk, Dave Farrow, emphasised that the problems were being carried out by a “small minority” of people – no more than ten or 20.

“We are not suggesting at all that there is a major issue here, but what does occur is irritating and annoying,” he said. “But we need to keep a sense of realism about all this in that we are talking about a small minority of people.”

Sgt O’Connor told councillors he was hoping that young people might take more of a pride in their local surroundings and say something if they saw their peers causing problems.

“The police can’t be there all the time and I’m hoping the majority of people will police it for us and say something,” he said. “I hope to see a culture in young people where they have some pride.”

He added that introducing security cameras at Wellington Park would be a “fantastic idea” and would not only help to identify culprits, but also deter others from doing anything untoward.

“CCTV would be a huge advantage,” said Sgt O’Connor.

He told the meeting that “contrary to belief” crime was down by 20 per cent on the previous month.

It was acknowledged during the meeting that not all young people wanted to be involved in youth clubs or sporting organisations, although there were some raised eyebrows when it was mentioned that youngsters said “they were bored and there was nothing to do” as if it was an acceptable excuse to cause problems.