A POLICE scheme involving letters being sent to the parents of disorderly youths is spreading throughout Gateshead.
The concept, which has been operating successfully in Gateshead East Area Command, is starting in Gateshead West.
Parents of youngsters caught drinking under-age, or causing a disturbance, or who are suspected of using drugs, but are not in a situation which leads to an arrest, are sent letters by the police.
Since the beginning of last year, 844 letters have been sent to parents in Gateshead East, with only 116 cases of a second letter being necessary.
That figure drops to 41 for a third letter, and single figures for fourth or fifth letter.
Community beat sergeant Cameron Mann said: "Bringing the issues to the attention of the parents makes a real difference.
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