Police: Don't pick on 'hoodies'

4:30pm Sunday 24th August 2008

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POLICE are appealing to the public to stop picking on youngsters who wear hoodies.

PC Alex McMillan spoke to the Guardian after several callers rang the police station to complain about hooded youths congregating on street corners in Knutsford.

He said the teenagers were often not doing anything wrong and could be offended by the public’s reaction.

“Some members of the community have a dim view of people wearing hoodies,” he said.

“But it has a massive effect on these kids and it can’t be nice for them. “They’re good kids. It’s just what they’re wearing.”

Police are running a youth project to try to show residents that teenagers can be considerate.

They have enlisted 12 pupils from Knutsford High School to take part in the community leadership award.

Next week the youngsters, all of whom volunteered, will visit elderly people in Knutsford to put up hanging baskets for them.

“That should help break down some barriers,” said PC McMillan.

“It will show that there are some fantastic kids out there.”

The teenagers have been asked to complete a three-month course, which includes drugs awareness and tips on how to find a job.

They have already helped police to catch speeding drivers in Mobberley and have been taken on a tour of the cells in Wilmslow.

They are also due to visit Macclesfield Magistrates’ Court to see how the courts deal with alleged offenders.