POLICE are cracking down on a gang of youths who are causing chaos outside McDonald’s in the city centre.

West Mercia Police said it is currently serving Criminal Behaviour Orders on some of the individuals involved.

A McDonald’s deputy manager previously told the Worcester News that the youngsters had been smoking cannabis and playing ‘chicken’ with buses outside the restaurant, in The Foregate, Worcester.

She added that the gang, most of whom are thought to be aged between 15 and 16, recently burnt paper bags.

Chief Inspector Sean Kent, who handles local policing in South Worcestershire, said officers had been working with McDonald’s to tackle the problems, resulting in a ‘significant drop’ in the number of incidents at the site.

He added: “Worcester licensing team and safer neighbourhood officers have maintained a close working relationship with the management team at McDonald’s for a number of months now.

“This has involved a number of meetings and regular contact with them. The very location in the centre of town means it is often used as a meeting place for young people, many of whom cause no problems whatsoever.

“Those that are identified are dealt with using the anti-social behaviour process. This includes intervention and engaging in a diversionary process with partner agencies.

“Some of the individuals involved are currently being served with Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) which involve significant penalties if breached. Work in the area will continue and we will continue to enjoy a close working relationship with businesses and partner agencies.”

McDonald’s said it was aware of long-term anti-social behaviour and was working to tackle it.

A spokesman for the company added: “We work to ensure that we remain a good neighbour and that our restaurant is a welcoming environment for our people and customers.

“We have long-term initiatives in place to help combat any issues, and work in partnership with local authorities and community groups to find resolutions.”