Guernsey Press

Hoodie gang 'terrorises' Bouet estate

ROWDY youths are terrorising the Bouet, residents claimed yesterday.

Published

ROWDY youths are terrorising the Bouet, residents claimed yesterday. Pensioners especially are scared by noisy teenagers around the estate late at night and in the early morning.

Neighbours are calling for antisocial behaviour orders to be introduced and curfews imposed to stop the trouble.

Others want the Housing Department to evict certain individuals and their families.

Police made nine arrests on Sunday after a string of incidents throughout the evening - culminating in people being found in an enclosed area - but no charges have been made.

Residents have reported seeing what they claim are gang members goading police and said some youngsters had no respect for the law.

The rowdies have allegedly cut washing lines, set fire to a bin bag and kicked it into a telephone box, thrown eggs, tomatoes, TVs, pipes and rubbish at properties and vehicles and daubed graffiti on premises.

'They are running riot and terrorising the elderly and you don't know where the next fire will be - that is what worries me,' said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous.

'It's a disgrace - it's every night in the last two months and they set fire to the telephone box the other night. They are kicking the glass of the phone box and making a noise.

'The old people are scared to go out at night and it's not on. It's got out of hand and they have their hoodies over their heads and their little caps. It's pathetic and they need to be taught respect for their elders.'

'They arrested nine and I'm surprised it was only nine,' said the man.

Another resident, in his 40s, said: 'They are being an absolute pain. They are banging on people's doors, setting fire to rubbish and putting stuff in the roads - old TVs and pipes - and they run off when the police arrive.'

Some of the culprits live on the estate - but not all of them.

'We thought it had quietened down, but it's a gang. We have given the names to the Housing Department.

'They have said they will not stand antisocial behaviour and if they are going to keep their word, they should do something about it.

'The police are doing their best, but their hands are tied. The deputies should come down here one night and see what is happening for themselves.'

Another resident, who also refused to be named for fear of reprisals, said: 'They have been playing up for a few weeks - there are a gang of about 10 to 15 of them. There are pensioners who are scared. They can't confront them and, if they do, they are going to be targeted.

'It has got a bit out of hand like years ago and the police were out in force yesterday and chasing them. I think a few of them need Asbos and curfews put on them. They are terrorising the estate and running loose.

'We wonder what the parents are doing - some of the parents don't care what their kids are doing. Make the parents responsible and if the child is too young to be prosecuted, prosecute the parents,' he claimed.

* Nine males were bailed by police pending further inquiries.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.