Police work out "dispersal measures" while yobs run riot on the Isle of Dogs

Sometimes I really am lost for words at the ineptitude of our public services.

This week a letter (below) was circulated along Manchester Road, on the Isle of Dogs, London, drawing attention to anti-social behaviour along a parade of shops.

To fill you in on the picture, these shops seem to be a beacon to gangs of youths which gather in hoards as soon as it begins to get dark.

They hang around the entrances with bikes and wearing hoodies, shouting at the tops of their voices, spitting and throwing stuff around.

I have heard of at least one incident where someone returning home after work  was physically attacked.

They are generally a nuisance, and according to the letter from Tower Hamlets Council “possibly have access to illegally obtained alcohol”.

It says they present a “serious problem” and the council is looking at a solution.

I agree, it is a serious problem.

They are intimidating, rude, and have no regard for people who live in the area when they leave the streets strewn with empty cans, and dog mess - yes this is also a meeting place for the Staffordshire bull terrier-parading brigade who congregate smoking fags while the rest of us are at work.

Now here comes the funny bit.

This letter, from local councillors Tim Archer, Peter Golds and Gloria Thienel says the police are “looking into dispersal measures”.

I don’t know what they have to look into, or how long that will take, but why don’t I just give them a pointer for free - come along and DISPERSE them.

It really is as simple as that isn’t it?

There is a problem: yobs gathering on the street, drinking illegally, and generally making everyone’s life a misery.

There is a police station virtually opposite (Isle of Dogs Police).

The solution: send a policeman (or community law enforcement consultant - whatever) to move them on. Simple, surely?

You would think.

In two years I have not once seen a policeman anywhere near these shops, maybe they have been getting their dispersal action plan drafted in this time.

According to the letter, the police are also in discussion with George Green’s School as many of these pests are pupils.

This would be the school outside which during the summer teachers stand on the street corner in groups smoking and gossiping.

And when they’re not doing that they running up and down the street pleading with pupils to get to class because they are late.

I really think they are going to be a lot of good.

If I was to have my way, ok here we go, the police would be able to give them a kick up the backside and send them home, and the teachers would be able to drag them into class by their ears if they are a minute late to class.

But then what do I know?