POLICE are stepping up efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, following a surge in complaints from residents.

Officers have exercised 21 dispersal notices between December 21 and January 12 to protect Newbury town centre.

These notices can contain conditions, such as preventing the individual from returning to the area for a specific time.

Inspector Mark Tucker, based in Newbury and Thatcham, said: “Newbury town centre must remain a safe place to live and work.

"Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and my officers will continue to work with our partners to reduce this type of crime.

"Although these steps are designed to prevent more formal action being taken, my officers will make arrests and pursue prosecutions where it is deemed necessary.”

If the conditions of a dispersal notice are breached, the person can be arrested.

Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour can call the non-emergency number 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A police spokesman added: "Our officers are also working in partnership with the West Berkshire youth offending team, so that support can be provided to manage the behaviour and prevent possible formal action being taken in the future.

"The parents or carers of those offending are being informed of the intervention by Thames Valley Police resulting in a number of families already benefitting from the process."