ESSEX Police has targeted parents of children involved in crime and anti-social behaviour as they attempt to stop problems in Prentice Place in Harlow.

As YH reported last week, shopkeepers were in a state of siege as teenage yobs have used the building site as an opportunity to wreak havoc in the precinct.

But a number of vocal residents have put pressure on the police to take robust action.

On Sunday, Essex Police placed the following statement on their Facebook page.

“Recently we have received a lot of calls regarding nuisance youths in the Prentice Place area. Today PCSO Kearney and and PC Hance, our Children and Young Persons Officer have issued community protection warning notices to parents to take responsibility for their children’s behaviour(s).”

Resident and shop staff are set to meet with police to discuss what further action can be taken.