Little louts: Ellie-Louise, top left, Isabel, middle, and Caidence, bottom, are accused of antisocial behaviour (Picture: BPM)

Children as young as three have been sent warning letters from police for playing outside their homes – raising fears of antisocial behaviour penalties.

One girl’s parents were shocked to hear their neighbours had complained about ‘intimidating behaviour’.

Caidence Leadbetter, three, appeared to have been accused of antisocial behaviour while playing outside her house in an official letter sent to her startled parents.

Two of her friends – seven-year-old Ellie-Louise and sister Isabel, four – also seemed to be implicated.


Their mother, Claire Cox, from Solihull, West Midlands, said: ‘I’m shocked – the letter implies they could be given Asbos.’

PCSO Allan Cameron wrote to the children’s parents telling them there had been reports of ‘a rise in antisocial behaviour’.



He described ‘minor damage to trees and trampling of plants underfoot’ by ‘large groups of children’ as ‘slightly intimidating to elderly neighbours’ and said the council would be informed about any subsequent damage.

West Midlands Police has moved to reassure parents their young children would not face Asbos.

Supt Kevin Doyle said the letter was ‘a general reminder’ and ‘not aimed at any family in particular’.

But Ms Cox said her girls and Caidence were the only ones to play in that area of the neighbourhood.