Police are now following the example of headmasters everywhere in deterring Harold youngsters from getting into trouble by sending good old fashioned letters home to parents.

The move comes from Operation Arrow, which in recent weeks has policed Harold with mounted police and helicopters in an attempt to secure the arrests of known suspects, including those of two youths in Harold Hill last week for motor vehicle theft.

In its latest direct attack on potential crime, Arrow is targeting young people who have been hanging around with the "wrong crowd", or those with a track record of trouble with the law.

Community police officers have already identified youths previously involved in disturbances, criminal damage or drugs with the aim of limiting their influence among their often impressionable peers.

The letters will raise any concerns police may have about the child's safety.

They will also ensure parents, some of whom remain in the dark as to where their children go in the evening, are given an early warning of any circumstances which could throw their offspring off the rails.

Acting Sgt David Hay of Operation Arrow said: "This is the first time we have taken the step of writing to parents and by doing it we hope to prevent antisocial behaviour.

"Some letters will go to homes where the child has not necessarily broken the law - they may have been hanging around those who have been involved instead.

"Most of the time the parents don't even know where their children are heading at night.

Now we want these children to head down the right road not the wrong one and with the parents support we can do it."

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