PHOTOGRAPHS of a 14-year-old Birkenhead boy are being handed out by police after he was slapped with a three year criminal ASBO.

Jay Coleman was issued with the order on at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on July 1 following a catalogue of incidents including theft, criminal damage and being a nuisance.

Action was taken against the Birkenhead teenager when his anti-social behaviour repeatedly came to the attention of Merseyside Police and the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team.

The problems have been largely in the Birkenhead area of Wirral where Jay was part of a group who had been intimidating local residents and businesses.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “There is no doubt that the local community has been severely affected by Jay Coleman’s behaviour and we are asking them to help, by being our eyes and ears, to make sure he abides by his conditions.  

“Local officers are issuing leaflets, with a picture of Jay, which outlines the terms of the ASBO. This will be distributed in the local area to residents and businesses where the offences have been committed and which are included in the conditions of the order.

“This will help to make sure that people can report any breaches of the terms to the appropriate authority and positive action can be taken if any of the conditions are breached.”

While Jay’s photograph is being distributed locally, the Globe is not allowed to publish it online.

The police spokesman said: “Working with partner agencies, we try to educate young people and deter them from them becoming involved in antisocial and criminal behaviour.

If an image of a juvenile is disproportionately released on the internet, what chance do we, or our partners have, in turning those individuals around. As long as the local community affected is aware of the ASBO conditions, we are fulfilling our obligation to our communities.”

Anyone who witnesses Jay breaching the conditions of his ASBO  should contact Merseyside Police on 101 and ask for Wirral Control Room or the Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team on 0151 637 6400.

Anyone experiencing problems with persistent anti-social behaviour, they should report it to ‘It’s Your Call’, a borough-wide signposting service for reporting anti-social behaviour by calling 0151 606 2020 or through any council One Stop Shop.