THE ringleader of a gang causing havoc in north Hull has been served with an antisocial behaviour order (Asbo).
Residents and shopkeepers in Greenwood Avenue and parts of Orchard Park say their lives are being blighted by a 40-strong gang responsible for tipping over cars, committing burglaries, threatening vulnerable people and causing criminal damage.
Now, Rhys Bunce, 19, has been given a two-year Asbo at Hull Magistrates' Court for his role in the disorder.
Posters featuring an image of Bunce and the conditions of his Asbo will now be displayed across the area.
It comes after fellow troublemakers Nathan Heath, 20, of Ripley Close, and Aiden Porteous, 19, of Cranbrook Avenue, were also given Asbos earlier this month.
Police now say they are confident of bringing another culprit to justice within the next two weeks.
Inspector Steve Lamb, who leads the Northern neighbourhood policing team, said: "I am sure this latest Asbo will be warmly received by residents who have been blighted by this gang.
"There is no doubt that Rhys Bunce is a ringleader of this gang and we are pleased the court has dealt with him.
"We hope this reduces problems in the area now.
"People should not have to tolerate what is unacceptable behaviour and, if they continue their previous disorder, they will be dealt with in a robust way, which ultimately could see them put in jail."
Insp Lamb has put the success of securing the Asbos down to increased police patrols in the area.
One Greenwood Avenue shopkeeper said: "We are still getting problems, but nowhere near as bad as it was.
"It would appear that most of the older members of the gang, the ringleaders, are not coming out as much.
"Instead of a gang of 40, we are now looking at a couple of gangs of five or six.
"My only worry is the perpetrators are getting younger. But the extra police officers on the beat is definitely starting to make a difference."
Sergeant Richard West and PCSO Lucy Griffin visited some of the worst-hit shops in Greenwood Avenue this week.
The level of abuse aimed at workers in recent months is understood to have led to several quitting their jobs because of stress.
Sgt West said: "The unacceptable actions of the gang have caused so much distress for shopkeepers in particular.
"We were seeing very large groups congregating on bikes before heading off to cause trouble.
"We have a duty of care to protect people and our increased patrols are making a difference.
"When people now say they have had a bad night with the gang, it often means a group of five or six. It used to be a lot bigger than that.
"Slowly, but surely, we are getting to the bottom of the problem.
"We do not want to set these people up to fail. We want them to take these Asbos seriously and stay out of trouble.
"If they don't, they will be locked up."
The maximum punishment for breaching an Asbo is five years in prison.
Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101.
Rhys Bunce is prohibited from ...• Acting or inciting others to act in an antisocial manner.
• Using foul, abusive or racist language in any public place or private place where the language can be heard.
• Using threatening or abusive language to any member of the emergency services.
• Entering into any commercial, retail, leisure or educational premises from which he has been banned or excluded within the Humberside Police area.
• Entering or remaining in any premises, including private dwellings, without the permission of the owner.
• Entering any commercial, business, leisure or educational premises when those premises are not open to the public.
• Remaining in the company of two or more other people at any time when any of those other people act antisocially.
• Entering within 20m of Mario's Takeaway in Greenwood Avenue.
• Entering Tesco in Hall Road, including the car park.
• Entering any William Hill betting shop in Greenwood Avenue.
• Riding or being carried as a passenger on any motorbike without a helmet.
• Riding or driving a motor vehicle on any road or public place without holding a licence and valid certificate of insurance.
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