YOBS and rowdy youngsters on an Oxford estate face a new way to curb their antisocial behaviour – a letter sent home to mum and dad.

Police and council officers have hand-delivered 30 letters to parents of children living in Blackbird Leys warning that their offspring must behave, or face police action.

Several adults have also been handed letters telling them to curb their nuisance behaviour.

Crimes include hurling snow balls at elderly people, hanging around in groups intimidating shoppers, and urinating in the street.

Sgt Rob Axe, of Thames Valley Police, said: “The letters help by providing early intervention. It lets these individuals know we are aware of, and are dealing with, their actions.

“There may not be enough evidence to allow criminal proceedings to take place, but these individuals’ actions cause enough concern to residents that they contact the police for help and support.”

Letters are sent to people chosen by police, Oxford City Council’s Crime and Nuisance Action Team (Canact), and members of the Neighbourhood Action Group, on the basis of intelligence gathered from people living on the estate. Letters are delivered to parents by Pcsos.

The letters act as a warning before Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) or Antisocial Behaviour Orders (Asbos) are dished out.

This time last year there were 12 ABCs in Blackbird Leys. There are now six. Two people have Asbos.

Sue Funge, project manager at Blackbird Leys parents group Starlight, said: “Surely it is better to go and speak to the child and parent and have an informal chat about what can be done to change their behaviour.

“I can see why someone thought this would be a good idea but I can’t see it working.”

Steve Kilsby, of Canact said: “It is very much a low-level positive intervention to ensure that we are addressing issues raised by the community at the earliest possible time.

“It also helps parents to take control of the situation. We are seeing better behaviour but know antisocial behviour is still a problem.”

The scheme will now be used across the city.

The latest police crime figures show there were 158 reports of antisocial behaviour between October and December last year in Blackbird Leys.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk