Interim anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been granted against six youths in their late teens and early twenties who have been causing problems in Woolwich.
The youths are members of two opposing groups from Charlton and Thamesmead. The interim orders were issued to crack down on:
- fighting
- anti-social behaviour
- robberies on buses
- general youth disorder by the groups.
They are now prohibited from specific activities including:
- associating with other named gang members
- meeting in public
- using hoods or scarves to conceal their identities.
Court cases
The cases will go to court in February. The police and Council hope they will then gain full ASBOs against the culprits.
In the mean time, their names are registered at court and they face up to five years imprisonment if they break conditions of the interim orders.
Community well-being
Greenwich Council Leader Cllr Chris Roberts said:
"Occasionally, the behaviour of individuals or small groups impinges on the lives of other residents in such a way that we are forced to take action. In this case the situation is so severe that the Council and the local police force are working together to ensure residents are no longer affected by the activities of small groups.
"The issuing of interim ASBOs is a major step in the process of enforcement and it sends out a strong message that we will not tolerate any sort of behaviour that threatens the safety and well-being of the rest of the community."
11 December 2006