Ok, this is from the point of view of an 18 year old lad, from Bedlington, who is still curently in Bennies 6th form. Jester, my advice to you is a mobile phone or even better, a video camera, when they come again, try and catch them on camera. the more identifiable features you can get, the better. About the 'lack of things to do' issue; i have to completely agree that there is nowhere for me to go and 'hang-out' with my friends. Ill admit, im not perfect, but iv had a bloody good upbringing. Iv been punished at home, and i have to say, it has worked becuase i understand what i have done wrong! I have been wrapped in a protective blanket all my life. Iv had alcohol at home since i was about 12, but it was strictly monitored by my parents, 1 can of lager, then no more. they wouldnt let me watch a damn 12 rated film untill i was 13, the first internet connection we had, used parental controls to stop me from doing 'whatever i wanted'. I am an only child, therefore iv learned to be quite lonley, and how to cope/entertain myself. Most of the kids causing problems, i can almost guarantee will have siblings, rivalry and the like causes most of the problems. Then when a sibling moves on, they are left alone, meaning that they rely on their friends to kee them entertained. Iv never been very sociable with kids my own age, infact, i only have 2 close friends who i will make an effort to see, most of the time, i entertain myself on my computer or playstation playing games. EVERY NOW AND THEN, i have a friend in the house to have a game on the playstation, very rare because my prents like their privacy and iv only ever had 1 sleepover! My being alone hasnt helped me socially, i dont hang around with a group of friends, i dont even attend the 6th form socials which are held even though i can legally drink. As i was growing up, if i had a centeral place where i could 'hang out' and somewhere where my parents will believe i am safe, i would have been alot more comftorable in groups my age (i can cope with older people no problem). So now, the only regular socialisation is at school which i only attend for my lessons and over my damned computer just becuase i had nothing to do! Infact, the most fun I had in bedlington was Tommy turning on the christmas lights. May i point out that Bennies provided the band and equipment for that, as well as some trusted 6th formers working to keep the peace? The question raised about Bennies is what can they do to solve anti social behaviour? i know for a fact that if the 'kept me in detention' i would refuse to turn up. Outside of their gates is WELL out of their control. the FULL issue here is parenting and i think that i am the perfect example of that. Im sick of being the minority, walking down the front street with all the grannies glaring at me just because of my age... i have done nothing wrong, and i am sick of being tarred with the same brush. These are groups of 10-15 people who cause the problems, we are not all taboo'd. Again, to Jester who is the main victim (that we know of) listen to what Symptoms said They WANT a reaction from you, iused to kick a football against a garage door when at my grandparents, ill point out that i had the garage owners permission, however the noise disturbed some of the people in the houses around the area, they came and complained and we were able to say 'and what can you do about it?' (this was a good few years ago mind, in the summer holidays when i was BORED, with NOTHING to do except play outside with my friends, no computers/playstations ect.) Once again, it comes down to the fact that we have nothing to do! you mentioned morpet earlier, they have a damn'd park to play in, things which can entertain them in some way shape or form. Anyway, i just figured that this opinion from someone who has just left the age group could be an important part of the discussion. I feel for you Jester, i really do and if there was something i could do to help you, i would do it! Toby