POLICE have vowed to prosecute youths who continue to cause problems in Chapelford as officers step up patrols in the area to target the culprits.

A teenager was arrested on Saturday on Sainsbury’s car park on suspicion of careless and inconsiderate cycling, resisting arrest and assault on a police officer.

He has since been bailed pending further investigations.

A 15-year-old was also reported for careless and inconsiderate cycling.

Sgt Paul Flynn outlined how officers are taking a zero-tolerance approach in a bid to tackle any issues surrounding anti-social behaviour in the area.

He said: “We have had reports of gangs involving more than 20 youths on bikes, cycling in and out of cars and doing wheelies and being abusive.

“There have also been reports of wing mirrors being damaged.

“We are just trying to do as much as we can and we are working with other agencies including youth services.

“Before the school holidays, we visited the schools in the area to speak to all year groups about the consequences of their actions.”

Sgt Flynn has called on parents to help tackle the issue which has escalated in recent weeks.

He added: “Parents need to make sure they know where their kids are and take responsibility for their actions.

“We don’t want to be arresting kids but some are crossing the line at the moment.

“The majority of the kids are well behaved it’s just a minority.

“There is a safety issue as well.

“If they are doing wheelies in and out of cars then someone could be run over and seriously hurt.

“I don’t want to have to knock on some mum or dad’s door to say their son or daughter is in hospital or worse.”