Two members of a group of youths who wreaked havoc around the town centre were forced to pay money to Barrow Business Improvement District by their parents.

The youths that were caught were ordered, and approved by Barrow police, to pay for destroying a flower bed in a planter on Portland Walk. They also had to send written letters of apology.

On July 20 officers received multiple reports of youths gathering in the town centre causing disturbance and damage in and outside of McDonalds - and also pulling out plants in the area.

A dispersal order was put in place for 48 hours and officers who investigated the criminal damage were helped by footage that was uploaded to social media.

One of the young people was identified by officers. When police visited, the parents explained that their child had already written a letter of apology and paid £20 to Barrow BID, who had planted the flowers.

The second child was reported to police as being involved by his parents having seen the footage on social media and also wrote a letter of apology to Barrow BID.

One of the Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) fixed and refilled the destroyed planters in July with the help of the BID and also Youth Ability and Grimefighters a few days later.

Police decided this community resolution was the best solution. A spokesperson for Barrow police said: "The Youth Justice Service reviewed the crime and those involved, and it was advised that due to no previous criminal history and the low-level crime that Community Resolution would be an effective way to address the behaviour in a supportive way without criminalisation at a vulnerable time in their lives.

"Those involved had already addressed their behaviours and written apologies to Barrow BID."

Community resolution requires the offender to face up to the consequences and impact of their actions.

For all out-of-court disposals, the police speak to victims and obtain their views before making a decision and discuss community remedy options with them. This includes disposals, restorative, reparation, and rehabilitation options.