BRAINTREE businesses are being urged to help police to identify troublemakers.

Community leaders and traders have complained about gangs of youths swearing, drinking, shouting and hassling shoppers.

Insp Alyson Wilson, who has taken over the helm at Braintree police, said: “We need to identify the ringleaders.

“There will be people who hang around and don’t do anything wrong, but there will be the minority who do.

“If we can’t take the ringleaders out, then we will take the gang away so they have got no one to lead.”

Insp Wilson said officers will speak to anyone seen hanging around, and if problems persist, their parents could receive letters about their behaviour.

If this does not resolve the problems, the perpetrators could be issued with acceptable behaviour contracts or antisocial behaviour orders.

Last week, Braintree police met business people to discuss their concerns about groups congregating in restaurant doorways.

Insp Wilson reassured the public there are regularly police officers and PCSOs on the beat.

She said they have put several operations in place, including tackling cycling on town centre pavements and speaking to youths about their behaviour.

Police are also working to ensure the town’s CCTV cameras are monitoring trouble hotspots.

Another meeting to discuss traders’ concerns will be held with Essex Police and Braintree Council next month.