THE lighter nights signal an increase in cases of anti-social behaviour locally and mindless yobs already seem to be outdoing themselves.

Among several incidents in just the last week, they’ve stolen a car and set it on fire in the middle of Breightmet Golf Course, causing the maximum amount of damage. And, far more worrying, a gang of 30 set a fire in Harwood woodland and then pelted firefighters with bricks and fireworks as they tackled the blaze.

As the majority of those involved here are likely to still be living at home, it’s up to parents to ensure that they know where their children are and what they’re doing.

It’s far too easy to ignore what youngsters do outside the home but it’s the community which picks up the tab for anti-social behaviour. The long-term result means a greater cost of policing which comes out of all our pockets.