“Know where your children are,” Heywood and Middleton police ask

Police Community Support Officers

Neighbourhood policing teams for Heywood and Middleton are warning parents to be aware of where their children are during the coronavirus pandemic.

The message comes just weeks after a dispersal order was implemented after antisocial behaviour from children was experienced in and around both Middleton and Heywood.

Some home visits were carried out, and police are now urging parents to not let their children congregate in groups, to prevent both antisocial behaviour and the spread of the virus.

Posting on social media, the local neighbourhood teams said: “We are asking that you be aware of where your children are, that they DO NOT congregate in groups – not only in relation to the antisocial behaviour it causes, but also the spread of the coronavirus.

“If they continue to congregate and refuse to leave the area, the likelihood is that parents will be contacted and asked to collect their children either from that location or the police station itself.

“This may result in further action being taken.

“These are unprecedented times and we are asking for you, as parents, to support not only us but the community and business community at large by knowing where your children are and by being in contact with them on a regular basis.

“Thank you for your understanding and co-operation at this time. The businesses are important to our community and should be supported by us all.”