Far from a Silent Night (From Stroud News and Journal)

Far from a Silent Night

AGGRESSIVE carol singers brought misery to the festive season in Minchinhampton this year by kicking doors and slashing tyres after intimidated residents refused to give them cash.

In the run up to Christmas, residents in the picture-postcard town were horrified when a group of teenagers hurled abuse at them for failing to open their doors and pay up.

When the 'singers' realised they were not going to get any money they hammered on doors with their fists and feet.

police admitted a rise in reports this year of anti-social behaviour by young carol singers.

The incidents prompted police to urge parents to keep a tighter reign on their children during the school holidays.

"The police do not wish to stop young people going out to have fun and enjoying themselves. But if they cross the line into acts of vandalism or anti-social behaviour then we will take action," said crime reduction officer PC Paul Francis.

He added it was important for parents to make sure they knew where their children were going at night and to monitor their behaviour.

"If they have any suspicions about their offspring's activities they should question them and, if necessary, call the police," he said.

"Parents have a responsibility to control their children and if they fail in that duty they could find themselves held responsible in a civil court for the actions of their sons and daughters.

"Christmas should be an occasion for all the family to enjoy. There is nothing wrong with having a good time but the actions of this small minority clearly overstepped the mark.

"If anyone has information about who these people were they should call us on 0845 0901234."