Teens caught 'causing nuisance' give back to town

Two teenagers caught trying to scare a woman in her own home have taken part in a community payback project after they admitted what they had done.

Cumbria Police said the boys caused damage to garden gates in Maryport and "constantly" banged and kicked one resident's front door.

After being identified, and with the support of their parents, both agreed to work restoratively by taking part in a litter pick to re-pay their actions, the force said.

Sgt Neil McKinnell, of Workington Neighbourhood Policing Team, said this option, rather than prosecution, gave young people the "opportunity to learn from mistakes without ending up with the future impact of a criminal record".

He said: "Such payback actions are proven to reduce future offending and, for low-level and first-time offenders, can dramatically reduce the chances of them offending again in future."

Cumbria Police said a similar outcome was made following an incident at a Domino's Pizza shop in Workington, in which youths were reported for throwing eggs.

A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: "One youth, caught in the act, agreed to clean the mess created whilst two others who were causing a nuisance and obstructing officers agreed to litter picking and cleaning police vehicles."

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