Teenagers in one Chicago suburb may have to go shopping for a good belt after politicians announced police could be slapping hefty fines on people who fail to pull up sagging trousers.
Police in Forest Green are likely to be given the power to penalise those with low-slung legwear, with officials saying the fashion choice had become a genuine problem that is upsetting locals.
Mayor Anthony Calderone said he had received constant complaints about saggy trousers for several years and was now attempting to inspire some civic pride in the area’s 15,000 residents by getting the area’s Justin Bieber wannabes to dress just a little more conservatively.
‘The fines could be anywhere from a slap on the hand all the way to $750, and anywhere in between,’ Mr Calderone told FOX Chicago.
‘I don’t buy the argument that it’s racial profiling, I’ve heard that, we certainly have seen all ethnicities wear pants well below the waistline, this is not racial profiling, this is more in line with behavior profile.’
Resident Lazaro Jones added that he thought the fashion statement was ‘disgusting’.
‘I see kids up and down the street every single day with their pants sagging down to their knees. To me, it’s disgusting. I don’t really know what’s really going on with this generation now.’
But the idea doesn’t sit well with all residents.
‘There’s a lot more pressing issues that they have to worry about that than people wearing baggy pants.’ said Dominick Chiapetta.
‘They should be worried about, like, crime and stuff that really matters.’
