A PAIR of teenage yobs who have brought fear and misery to residents and businesses in Neston through relentless anti-social behaviour have been handed criminal behaviour orders.

Dylan Marshall, aged 15, and Samuel Westhead, aged 14, both from Neston committed a string of offences including violence, physical assault, criminal damage, theft and drug use throughout the town centre.

Despite multiple attempts to address these issues, police and partners were left with no alternative but to make an application for a Criminal Behaviour Order.

The order, which was granted at Chester Magistrates Court on February 20, prevents the teenagers from associating and communicating with each other and another boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in any public place within Cheshire.

They must not enter a defined area covering much of Neston Town Centre and Stanneyfields Park, except when passing through on public transport or in a private vehicle.

Chief Inspector Alex McMillan, of Ellesmere Port, said: “Our priority is to make our communities safer and in order to achieve this we will use any legitimate method to proactively target those who are causing the most harm.

“Dylan and Samuel repeatedly came to our attention for a variety of reasons and on each occasion the local community was caused considerable harassment, alarm or distress.

“Despite their young age, the pair demonstrated a total lack of regard for the residents of Neston and their behaviour was wholly unacceptable.

“Their actions drew a disproportionate demand on local officers which was simply unsustainable and a criminal behaviour order was only our last real option to tackle their offending.

“I hope the community will feel reassured that with appropriate prohibitions now in place they can now enjoy a safe and peaceful environment.

"We would encourage any member of the community who see this pair together, or otherwise in breach of this order to report it to us by calling 101.”