POLICE have offered to meet concerned parents about gangs in their neighbourhood.

Parents in Thamesmead set up the Make Thamesmead Safer Campaign earlier this year to try and combat the gang culture.

News Shopper has reported how young people in the town were being assaulted and robbed of their cash and mobile phones, often at knifepoint and even at gunpoint.

Parents told News Shopper of their fears whenever their children went out.

One said she was battling with her teenage son to prevent him from arming himself with a knife for protection against teen gangs.

Another dad, who said his children were terrified of the T Block gang, started the campaign and launched a website and a petition, which has already attracted widespread support from other parents.

There are varying opinions on the gangs.

Some Thamesmead residents say youngsters join as a form of self-protection.

One said: "If you don't join, you face the terror of living among members, going to school or college with them and being singled out for not joining them."

He added gangs also provide anonymity for crime because victims found it difficult to single out anyone when surrounded by 15 or more youngsters.

Others blame the lack of activities, poor parenting and the "soft" judicial system, for encouraging young people to think they can get away with anti-social behaviour.

Police spokesman Superintendent Martin Bagg says the disorder action plan, drawn up by the police, Bexley Council and other agencies hopes to change the whole culture of youth crime and disorder, but warned it was a long-term goal which would have to involve the whole community.

He said he appreciated the parents' concerns about their children's safety but warned they had to be careful not to turn into vigilanties.

Supt Bagg urged parents to report every incident to police.

He said: "We have to work together in a positive way which sends the message this kind of behaviour is not wanted here."

You can find the campaign at make-thamesmead-safer.co.uk l Read more about youth disorder and and crime in Bexley at newsshopper.co.uk