Parents abused police who brought 8-year-old vandal home

Nov 11 2008 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Parents abused policewho brought lad homewho brought lad home

POLICE have been taking steps to try to tackle vandalism at shops in Almondbury.

But they found another problem when they took home an eight-year-old who was with other young people said to have been throwing stones towards a bus.

Neighbourhood police officers picked up the eight-year-old for bad behaviour.

But after taking the eight-year-old home, police said they suffered abuse from the parents.

On the basis of this incident, police are already reviewing their practices for dealing with young children.

Officers say they will consider taking children into protective custody if there is a repeat of the incident.

Insp David Glover, from Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “He was out on the streets with a group of others throwing stones.”

“Our officers took him home and got an extremely hostile reception. The parents actually complained that he had been brought home.

“I find it offensive when my officers get abuse for doing the right thing.

“If I find children of that age out on the streets causing trouble and we get that kind of response again I will consider putting them into protective custody.”