In recent weeks a number of vehicles have had their windows smashed and wing mirrors ripped off in a car park near to Swinton Civic Hall.

This led to fears that people would start to desert dance classes held at the civic hall for fears that their car might be attacked.

But police managed to aapprehend one youth in connection with the damage and he was given three charges of criminal damage and breach of ASBO.

He appeared at Rotherham Magistrates Court and received a 120 hours Community Punishment Order, a 14-day curfew and was ordered to pay £43 costs and a total of £295 compensation.

Police are now to continue their crackdown on youth nuisance with police on horseback joining regular patrols over the next few weeks.

Acting Police Sergeant Andy Norton, of the Wentworth North Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "We are continuing to pro-actively police the Swinton area through a variety of methods.

"Special Constables and Mounted Officers are joining Pc's, PCSOs and Neighbourhood Wardens as part of patrols not just in Swinton but also in Wath town centre over the coming weeks.

"Our presence in the community has already led to a 17-year-old boy being dealt with at court for criminal damage offences and his arrest was due to good footage from the local CCTV system."

Acting Sgt Norton also appealed for parents to keep a close watch on their kids and to know where they are at night.

He said: "Everyone has a responsibility to the local community and those causing problems or committing offences will not merely be moved on.

Any offences or disorderly behaviour will be dealt with positively and parents, schools, education welfare officers and the ASBO unit will be involved where appropriate. It is in our interests to solve the problems, not chase the same kids around night after night.

"Parents have a big role to play in this as well and it is their responsibility to know where their children are. We will take action
against parents of youths who persist in causing crime or antisocial behaviour in the community."