Young vandals ‘bussing in from Blackley' to cause trouble in Middleton town centre

They youths were spotted by patrolling officers but only one was caught.

Young troublemakers from outside Middleton are bussing in to cause havoc, smashing windows and destroying planters, a politician has claimed.

According to Councillor Dylan Williams, there were several incidents of vandalism in the town centre last week. And he says he was told by representatives from Greater Manchester Police the culprits got the bus from the Blackley area.

The youths were spotted by patrolling officers but only one was caught. The ward representative claimed the teen had to apologise for the behaviour and have their parents pay for the damages.

Councillor Williams has been vocal in his criticism of Greater Manchester Police in the past, saying they haven’t done enough to prevent a string of antisocial behaviour problems in the town. But now he believes GMP has made changes for the better.

“The police have really stepped up their game in the last few months,” he said. “We can see from the statistics that they have been working really hard.

“They have made arrests in the town centre recently with their shoplifting prevention programmes. They have done a good job.

“They have checked the CCTV and they don’t believe the group that did this are from Middleton. They say they are busing in from North Manchester to cause trouble.

“If there are any witnesses to this crime, or if you have any clear video footage or photos of the planters being knocked over or recognised any of the youths doing it, please come forward.”

The councillor added that police told him they will be working with schools in the north Manchester area to address youth nuisance issues.

He also thanked Middleton in Bloom Volunteers and other locals who came out the following morning to clean up the mess left behind.

Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter