Don't give in to pester power

10:06am Sunday 10th December 2006

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FATHER Christmas is backing Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) festive crime crackdown campaign by urging parents not to buy their children present that could be used in an anti-social manner.

The what not to buy' list includes: off-road bikes, replica and ball bearing guns, knives, alcohol, and fireworks.

Anti-social behaviour with these items has led to thousands of complaints this year, and in many cases the confiscation of the offending items says GMP assistant chief constable Vincent Sweeney.

He explained: "Presents are traditionally given at this time of year to bring joy and happiness to young people and those around them.

"The wrong choice of presents, however, can have the opposite effect, cause a nuisance and make life miserable, and even dangerous for family, friends and the wider community."

He added: "I would urge and parents to look carefully at what young people are asking for, stand firm against pester power and refuse to let them have potentially anti-social and dangerous presents this Christmas.

"By everyone taking their responsibilities seriously we can all hopefully have a merry Christmas and a safe and peaceful New Year."