A TWO-BOY crime wave in Folkestone has been halted by the town's magistrates who have handed out anti social behaviour orders.

Brothers Tyler and Shamen Williams, aged 13 and 10, have become the second and third youngsters to receive an ASBO in Shepway.

They did not appear at Folkestone magistrates court, but in their absence Kent police solicitor Gareth Davies and Rachael Lane, defending, agreed to the action after the boys’ activities in and around Folkestone seafront between April and August last year caused harrassment, alarm and distress to the community.

The terms of the order give an indication as to just what misery the pair, of Shakespeare Terrace, have inflicted on their neighbourhood. They are banned from swearing, abusing, threatening, harassing, humiliating or making obscene gestures.

Criminal damage, burglary, theft or assault are also off the agenda, as is trespass, refusing to leave any premises when asked to do so or riding a bicycle in enclosed places or to the physical danger of others.

A dozen witnesses, who had bore the brunt of the behaviour, were in court prepared to give evidence which was not required.

The restrictions will be in place until April 22 2005. And a breach of the order can attract stiff penalties of up to five years imprisonment.

The police want to hear from anyone who sees the siblings stepping out of line. The magistrates agreed the Kentish Express newspaper could identify the Williams brothers to act as a deterrent and to help enforcement.

This is the last resort for a team of police officers at Folkestone police station who were left with little choice but to act on the numerous complaints about their behaviour

One of those, PC Richard Lester, said: "This is a superb result for the public of Folkestone and especially those who need protecting. It will send a clear message that the police, the community and the courts will not tolerate anti social behaviour.

"The order will be in place for two years and we would hope the boys will adhere to it. If not, we want to know about it so they can be taken back before the courts.”