POLICE in Brighton have launched a pioneering crackdown on young offenders by threatening to fine their parents up to £1,000, the Argus can reveal today.

MP David Lepper is among those backing the hard-line pilot scheme, the first of its kind to be launched in Sussex. The tough new approach by police involves sending letters to the parents of repeat young offenders, warning of hefty financial penalties. The move follows a spate of offences in the Patcham area of the town over the last six months including: Youngsters shoplifting. Teenagers gluing front door locks, stopping people getting into their homes. Youths vandalising flower beds. Motorbike thefts. Robberies. More than 20 official warning letters bearing the names of youngsters police believe have been involved in trouble in the area have now been sent to their parents. The letters highlight powers held under the 1991 Criminal Justice Act to order parents to pay up to £1,000 if they fail to control the conduct of their child. Although the act came into force in 1991, it is the first time Sussex Police have sent letters to parents using the act. A Home Office spokesman said the scheme might even be the first in the UK. Insp Simon Morley, of Brighton police, says in the letter: "I have a duty to remind you that you have a personal responsibility to control the conduct of your child." It goes on: "A refusal to do so carries a maximum penalty of £1,000." The scheme is being tested in Patcham. If successful, it could be used across the county and adopted by other forces. In the letter parents are warned that under court procedures they can be bound overto make sure their children behave. If they refuse, they could face penalties up to £1,000. PC Chris Petken, community beat officer in Patcham, said it is time parents knew what their children are up to and realised how much it could cost them. He said: "Kids seem to think they can get away with crime because nothing seems to happen to them in court. "While these recent offences have been committed by a small number, other children are associated with them. "Their parents should know that their offspring are on the fringes and could be persuaded to take part in the same sort of activity, and that they they will then face the likely consequences. "Let's hope parents take heed of this letter." Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper said: "I think people across Brighton will welcome this measure that makes parents accept responsibility for their children. "We must improve our facilities for young people, but where the law does have powers, we should make it absolutely clear to parents that those powers will be used if youngsters continue to offend." John Sheldon, Conservative councillor for Patcham, is also backing the scheme. He said: "There has been a problem with juvenile crime in certain areas of Patcham. "It is right for the police to bring to the attention of parents that they have a responsibility for their children."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.