Call again and we’ll arrest you

YOB misery . . . Jane Howarth hides behind her egged and damaged window

A MUM terrorised by a gang of youths called police after having her window smashed — only to be threatened with arrest herself if she bothered them again.

Terrified Jane Howarth, of Oldham Road, Royton, says she has contacted police 16 times in two weeks because of constant harassment and vandalism.

But after the latest incident, officers told her it was not a serious offence and told her to sign a statement saying she would be fined £80 or arrested if she calls them out again.

The mother-of-three fears if nothing is done it could result in an escalation of trouble.

Ms Howarth says that up to 30 youths hang around the street, often drunk.

Ms Howarth (37), who has two boys aged nine and 14 and a 17-year-old daughter, said: “It’s been happening for weeks but started getting worse at the beginning of the Easter holidays.

“My windows got put through, they tried to kick my door in and have egged all the front of my house.

“My neighbours have had grief off them as well and one phoned the police about my house being egged.

“My children are scared of these people and get threatened. It’s affected me quite badly and stopped me going out.

“They smashed my front window and I phoned the police again to ask for hep.

“The officers said I was wasting police time and I had to sign to say that I would stop phoning them — if I didn’t I’d get a fixed penalty fine of £80 or be arrested.”

Brother-in-law John Shearer said: “She has had a catalogue of misery with smashed and egged windows and doors, and has been burgled three times.

“It’s been going on for months now. But it’s got out of control.

“She is sat at home terrorised. She is petrified she is going to get her house burned down like the young woman from Buxton a couple of weeks ago. It can’t go on.

“The police are refusing to do anything, point blank. The neighbours have all said it goes on but she’s been told she’s not allowed to phone the police unless it’s a serious matter.”

The Chronicle understands the police officer got Ms Howarth to sign a statement in his pocket notebook and police chiefs are investigating the matter.

Sgt Helen Osmond, from the Royton and Shaw neighbourhood policing team, said officers and partner agencies are working hard to combat anti-social behaviour and working very closely with Ms Howarth to stop her being targeted.

She said: “We are aware this area has seen an increase in anti-social behaviour and as a result we have made tackling the problem an absolute priority.”

No one should be a victim of anti-social behaviour and she urged victims to contact the police immediately.