ANGRY residents have called for a law change so young York thugs running wild on their estate can be arrested, charged and prosecuted.

The age of criminal responsibility currently stands at ten, meaning anyone under that age cannot be prosecuted for their crimes.

But people living in Tang Hall say some of the children behind the antisocial behaviour in their community are as young as three.

James Smith, of Constantine Avenue, said: "They are making peoples' lives hell and they know what is right and what is wrong. The law needs changing so they are made responsible.

"They are putting bricks through our windows, but they're not putting them through their own windows are they? They know what they are doing."

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "Why should they get away with it. They say 'You can't touch us.' Let's change the law so we can say 'Yes we can' and get them before a court."

The residents were speaking at Saturday's meeting at Tang Hall Community Centre, called by York MP Hugh Bayley to discuss ways of defeating antisocial behaviour.

The meeting was organised after Home Secretary David Blunkett wrote to Mr Bayley outlining the measures available to crack down on the yobs.

His letter mentioned that young thugs believe they cannot be touched, but he stated that they should be referred to social services, or to the soon-to-be-launched Youth Inclusion Support Panel.

The meeting saw local residents and community leaders joined by people from various York groups and organisations, including Safer York Partnership, the police, councillors, magistrates, youth workers, clergy and teachers.

Mr Bayley said he was not in favour of reducing the age of criminal responsibility. Instead he favoured the use of parenting orders and child safety orders.

"The orders make the parents part of the enforcement," he said.

Hull Road ward manager PC Nick Bailey said progress was being made.

He pointed to the Antisocial Behaviour Orders made last week against Stine Wilson and Robin Allan.

"I think people are getting braver in coming forward to speak to us. We want more to come forward. By working together, we can build on the progress we have already made."

Jenny Barker, of Tang Hall residents' association, blasted "rewards" for children who commit crimes.

"They take them ice-skating, skateboarding. The money should be used to reward the ones who behave.," she said.

Tony Gavin, head teacher of Burnholme Community College, said he wanted to see more police officers recruited. He said: "Hardly a day goes by without us seeing some form of criminal activity. I would like to see more police available so someone can be there at the drop of a hat if necessary."

Hugh Bayley said North Yorkshire Police now had a record number of officers.

But he said that each shift may only see one or two extra officers at a time, who have various duties, meaning it took time before results were visible.

Philip Nicholson told the meeting he had suffered repeated attacks of vandalism against his property.

He also said he had been assaulted, including one attack in which he was hit with planks of wood.

"When are you all going to wake up and do something?", he said.

Updated: 10:32 Monday, December 01, 2003