A YOUTH who committed his first offence when he was nine has been electronically tagged in a bid to stop him terrorising his neighbourhood.

Haroon Rashid, 14, of Pond Park Road, Chesham, was handed a two-year Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) after his behaviour spiralled out of control.

PC Holly Metcalf, area beat officer for Chesham, said: "He is one of the main players in the disorder and antisocial behaviour that has been occurring at Greenway Parade over the past few years, and has been a major problem for local residents.

"Recently this behaviour has escalated beyond control, making him a danger to both himself and anyone who came into contact with him."

The ASBO will cover the whole of Buckinghamshire.

It will prevent the boy from being abusive or aggressive to certain Chesham residents and anyone else he comes in contact with.

He must also stop causing damage to cars.

Concerned resident Shirley Evans said: "We've been very scared."

Referring to policing of the area, she added: "There's nobody here to look after kids."

When a Free Press reporter spoke to residents living in the area, they agreed that the ASBO and supervision order was a better option than locking Rashid up.

Under the scheme, Rashid will be tagged for three months to stop him leaving his house between 7pm and 7am.

He was also given a 12-month supervision order as a youth offending team attempt to change his behaviour.

Pauline Camilleri, head of Buckinghamshire Youth Offending Service, believes the punishments will be more effective than keeping him in custody.

She said: "This is a much tougher option and this will hopefully be of longer lasting benefit to the community."

Mrs Camilleri pointed out that young people who are put in an institution are much more likely to reoffend.

Tracy Gilbert, Buckinghamshire anti-social behaviour coordinator, applied for the ASBO in an attempt to protect the community against further acts of harassment and distress.

She also made it clear to Rashid that this is his "last chance".

She said: "If he breaches the ASBO he could possibly go to a young offenders institute.

"This option allows him to take responsibility for his actions."

Rashid was found guilty of five charges relating to public order offences.

He was also found guilty of interfering with a vehicle with intent to steal it or steal from it.

Rashid became the fourth young person in Buckinghamshire to be placed under an ASBO when he appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court on June 7.