Troublesome teens get marching orders

LUKE PARKER

Police are cracking down on troublesome youths loitering around McDonalds at New Lynn.

And that means John Hubscher will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace.

Mr Hubscher, 64, is a regular at the fast food outlet.

But he is sick of being harassed and intimidated by large groups of youngsters – including some in school uniforms.

"They ask for money," he says. "And if you complain about it, you get a mouthful of obscenities.

"They can be very intimidating, sitting on the tables and lounging around.

"Some of them are quite big and look a lot older than they actually are."

Sergeant Grant Watson says trespass orders have been issued to a number of males and females in the last couple of weeks.

The offenders are aged between 13 and 18 and problems include fighting and asking people for money.

"It's all on the lower end, but obviously it's a concern to McDonalds and the police," Mr Watson says.

"We won't tolerate bad behaviour or people congregating and hanging around for long periods of time.

"It's fine to go to McDonalds, have your food and do what you need to do, but then leave. It's the same with the bus terminal.

"The trouble starts when they're hanging around for extended periods of time in large groups."

Mr Watson says extra units will patrol the area between 3pm and 8pm.

"If we identify a trouble-maker, they'll get trespassed and won't be allowed to come back," he says.

The trespass orders cover LynnMall Shopping Centre, neighbouring businesses, McDonalds, the library and the bus terminal.

Repeat offenders may face arrest and court action.

Mr Watson says Pacific Wardens are also keeping an eye on things in the area.

"They are our eyes and ears and they let us know who the trouble-makers are," he says.

- © Fairfax NZ News