TROUBLEMAKERS at Pershore's drop-in centre could find themselves suspended under a new get-tough policy.

Staff at the King George's Way centre for 13 to 19-year-olds have adopted a zero tolerance stance after an increase in crime and vandalism.

After an incident on Sunday, July 7, when members of staff had their cars targeted, they closed the centre for two weeks while they held talks with Pershore's new beat officer, PC Stuart Toms, about what action to take.

It re-opened last Sunday with a warning that offenders could be ejected by police, and suspended, if they continued to cause trouble.

The youth worker in charge, Ema Kirbyson, said the policy came about after a marked increase in anti-social behaviour.

"A member of staff had their tyres partially let down, while another had their car kicked and we decided to close down for two weeks because it has been really hard work," she said.

Trespassing

"We don't want to have to close because of some young people causing problems, but individuals will be excluded and, if they return while they're excluded, the police can arrest them on a charge of trespassing."

The centre was also considering installing CCTV cameras after empty bottles of alcohol were found lying around by the centre.

She also said there had been a lot of vandalism out of hours.

"People have been meeting there because it's a blackspot. But, if we find anyone responsible for the damage or any other criminal activity, they'll be suspended," she added.