Boy, 13, among arrests in town centre crackdown

5 hours ago

Stewart WhittinghamNorth West

News image — Shopkeepers had complained of weeks of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour

Cheshire Police Teenagers. all clad in black with their faces covered, tussle in a shopping centre as a security guard moves in — Shopkeepers had complained of weeks of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour

Seven teenage boys have been arrested in an anti-social behaviour crackdown after a series of assaults in a town centre.

Cheshire Police said the boys, aged 13-16, were arrested on 3 June after weeks of problems in Warrington, Cheshire.

Four were held on suspicion of racially aggravated assault as well as shoplifting and burglary.

The force said residents and shop staff had reported shoplifting, burglary, violence and hate-related crime.

A 13-year-old boy, who was the youngest arrested, was held on suspicion of racially aggravated public order, affray and assault.

Sgt Anna Bell, of Cheshire Constabulary, said the arrests proved police would take "robust action to deter young people from engaging in criminal behaviour and to protect those who live, work, and visit Warrington".

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