PARENTS were today warned that they could be hit in the pocket from next week if their children misbehave.

Children aged between 10 and 15 are to be fined £40 on-the-spot for anti-social behaviour -- and their parents must ensure it is paid.

Lancashire is one of six forces in the country which is conducting a one-year test of the powers to see if the fines reduce juvenile nuisance.

The pilot was originally announced in January, but delays have prevented it starting until next week.

For the first couple of weeks the fines will be issued after the teenagers have been taken into custody.

But after that initial period frontline officers, such as community beat managers, will take the children home and issue the fine to their parents or guardian.

Police hope that the move will free up their time, while encouraging parents to take more responsibility and the children to behave.

Inspector John Clucas, the officer overseeing the pilot, said: "It will not be the children who are liable for the cost, but the parent or guardian.

"If the child is in care, the Social Services department will be responsible for paying the fine.

"It is not a caution or a conviction. It will not be on the child's record and it should make police officers be more productive.

"Previously if there were four children involved in an incident, the police officer would have probably been tied up with the first child for the night at the station and not got to the others.

"Now they could issue all four with tickets quickly and the officers could be back on the streets.

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