THREE teenage boys aged between 13 and 16 in Bridgwater have been charged with robbery, drug and knife offences.
This comes after police received a report of a group of people harassing a man in the town centre on January 3.
Officers attended the scene and seized 20 wraps of cannabis and a large knife.
A 13-year-old boy, who can’t be named, was later charged with possession of class B drugs with intent to supply, possession of a bladed article and assaulting an emergency worker and appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Court last Monday, January 6.
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The 13-year-old pleaded guilty and was handed an eight-month referral order by the court.
On January 4 at around 5.30pm, a man was approached by three boys in the town centre who threatened him and demanded he hand over a pair of trainers.
A short while later, police were made aware of a report of an attempted robbery by a group of three boys .
“A 13-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys, who also cannot be named because of their ages, were charged with robbery and attempted robbery in connection with the two incidents,” an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said.
“They appeared before magistrates in Taunton on Monday, January 6 where they were bailed with conditions ahead of a trial on 23 July.
“Community Protection Warnings have also been handed to the two 16-year-olds.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Sarah Knight said: “Our neighbourhood team is working closely with specialist officers to address issues of anti-social behaviour and criminality in Bridgwater.
“While we will always investigate these offences, it is not something we can police our way out of and so we are also collaborating closely with our partners to support education initiatives and to address the issues underlying youth offending and identify those most at risk.
“I encourage any parent who is concerned about their child and the company they are keeping to get in touch with the neighbourhood team. Working together with parents is crucial in resolving these issues and supporting our community.
“We’d also encourage people to continue reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime to us. This information is vital in helping us build an intelligence picture which can be used to inform proactive work.”
Avon and Somerset Police is encouraging those who carry a knife to dispose of it properly at one of the surrender bins across the county.
Report knife crime by calling 101 or by visiting the Avon and Somerset website.
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