GIRARD — Residents of Ward and Forsythe avenues are asking for help from city officials in dealing with a group of teenagers causing vandalism and harassment for the residents of the 2nd Ward neighborhood.

Six of the residents addressed city council on Monday, with officials noting this is the first time they were made aware of the problems.

Resident Michael Mohn of Ward Avenue said there have been problems with juvenile criminal activity, including breaking vehicle windows, agitating pets, destroying property, trespassing, using profanity and vulgarity toward residents, and other retaliation when police are contacted.

“There has been a large amount of criminal activity going on and we want to know what can be done to address this and get it taken care of. In all the years I have lived here it has never been like this. You can’t walk out of your house without being yelled out by these kids,” Mohn said.

He said police have been contacted about problems and have spoken to the parents, but nothing seems to change.

Mayor James Melfi and Safety / Service Director Jerry Lambert said this is the first time they had been made aware of this and will speak with police Chief John Norman about details of what has been happening and what can be done.

“The police have been up there but after they leave the juveniles retaliate,” Mohn said, noting residents work hard to maintain and beautify their properties.

Melfi told residents he will make sure the situation is addressed and that no juveniles are “holding residents hostage in their neighborhoods.”

Resident Mark Egley of Ward Avenue said it is the same group of juveniles who violate the curfew on a regular basis with teens ages 14 and 15 outside at 3 a.m.

“They have broken windows at 3 in the morning. There does not seem to be much guidance from the parents of keeping them in the house at night. We have a nice neighborhood and would like to keep it that way. We all look out for each other,” he said.

Residents said on Sunday police came to the area and spoke to individuals in a car parked in a driveway. After they left the juveniles ran out in the middle of the street and loudly began yelling obscenities toward residents.

“They have used very rude obscenities to a woman who lives next to me. This is shocking and unacceptable behavior for anyone to put up with,” Egley said.

Resident Russell Roose of Ward Avenue said he and neighbors saw teens late at night between houses and were awaken to them being there by barking dogs.

“No one can understand what they are doing out at three and four in the morning. Anything that can be done will be greatly appreciated. Everyone is concerned how things have escalated and gotten worse,” he said.

Residents said years ago it was kids knocking on house doors and running away but today it has gotten to teens breaking car windows, destroying property and threatening people.

Roose said several parked cars were found recently with windows broken out.

Ward Councilman Mark Standohar said he is concerned and upset about what he has heard is happening to the residents.

“I am not happy with what I have heard tonight. We will speak to the police chief and get this addressed,” he said.

After the meeting Melfi and Lambert spoke with the residents who provided names and addresses of those suspected of causing the problems.

Council President Reynold Paolone said an update on the situation will be provided to officials at the July 27 council meeting.