A high-ranking police officer is urging parents to make sure they know where their children are - or expect a knock on the door.

The warning shot has been fire by a police inspector following a spate of anti-social incidents including harrassing shop staff and throwing stones at cars.

Officers in Walkden and surrouding areas say they are cracking down on such behaviour after several incidents involving people harassing shop and restaurant staff, throwing stones at cars, and causing a nuisance for the public.

Already some people have been handed out orders and punishments after being identfied on CCTV.

Inspector Steve Corless, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “I will not tolerate groups causing anti-social behaviour for those in our community.

“We take a robust approach to these reports and we are working hard to break up known ASB hotspots, deterring those who seek to cause a nuisance from being in the area”

GMP have said that whilst many have been out enjoying their days and nights peacefully, some people take the opportunity to cause other people problems and ruin the enjoyment of others.

Neighbourhood officers in Walkden and the surrounding areas received reports of groups of young people gathering in different places and engaging in ASB.

In response, Little Hulton, Walkden, and Worsley neighbourhood officers have stepped up high-visibility patrols.

They have also been working with partners and local schools in identifying some of the youths causing the problems.

Further orders are due to be handed out, which will result in offenders being visited and parents being spoken to.

Officers will continue to identify more youths and issue the appropriate punishments until the problem is resolved.

Inspector Steve Corless said: “While our work is ongoing, I would ask parents to know what their children get up to.

“If your child is spending hours away in the evening and at night-time, it is important to know what they could be doing, both for their safety and the safety of others. While the overwhelming majority of young people are well-behaved, some cause problems – and their parents can expect a knock on the door from our officers.

“I would ask anyone who has any reports of anti-social behaviour to please contact us – visit a PACT meeting, have a chat with an officer out on patrol, or call us on 101. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”