Teenage girls, who terrorised residents in a Blackburn neighbourhood, have been given two-year anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs).
Blackburn Magistrates gave 16-year-old Amanda Holt and 15-year-old Tori Duxbury the ASBOs after hearing how their unruly behaviour had caused significant problems for people living in the Whitebirk area.
Police had received a catalogue of complaints about the pair who would intimidate residents, throw stones at cars and taxis, damage property, swear and shout. They would drink alcohol on the streets and abuse residents and shop keepers.
One resident said he felt like a prisoner in his own home. He was so afraid of the group that he did not switch his lights on after dark as he didn’t want the group to know he was at home. He would check the group were not outside before leaving his home. He has contacted the police many times with 14 police logs generated since 1 January 2011.
The ASBOs prevent the girls from entering an area of Whitebirk, except from when Duxbury is the company of her mother. They are also banned from being outdoors in a public place in any area of the borough between 10pm and 5am until 31 December.
They are not allowed to see each other or Caitlyn Dean, 15, Rebecca Jones, 16, Catherine Curbishley, 16, Arthur Koscilncki, 16, Paul Stafford, 18 and David Stafford, 16.
The ASBOs also state that they must not act or incite others to act in an anti-social manner, including being drunk and disorderly, abusive, swearing, making hand gestures and using threatening and racial language within the town.
Community Beat Manager PC Tom Sanford said: "The behaviour of these two girls has been unbearable for the other people living in the area. They targeted many properties and residents, many of whom were vulnerable.
"I hope this action reassures residents that we do act on their concerns whilst sending a strong message to those who commit anti-social behaviour that it will not be tolerated.
"We are committed to making sure Blackburn is not blighted by this type of behaviour and will continue to use tactics such as ASBOs to rid local communities of such nuisance."
Linda Clegg, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s director of children’s, safeguarding and protection services, added: "The Local Authority and its partners have worked hard to offer support and services to the two young people and their families. We are working with them to ensure they are assisted in maintaining the conditions of the anti-social behaviour orders and are able to rehabilitate themselves back in their community and lead positive lives.
"This work will continue throughout the duration of the ASBOs, building upon the progress that has been demonstrated to date."
Kevin Ruth, Twin Valley Homes’ Executive Director, said: "People are our business and the wellbeing and happiness of our residents is at the very core of our service.
"We have drawn on our strong partnership with the police and other agencies over the past few months to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.
"We hope that this draws a line under this sorry episode and life can return to normal for the people of the Whitebirk area."
