POLICE in Dawlish say they are responding to numerous reports of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town which have left some residents in fear.

Officers confirmed they have received reports of such behaviour over the last few nights from group of youths.

They say this has included bottles being smashed in the road, kicking doors and smashing glass, damage being caused with a pole, general abusive behaviour and attempts to set light to benches. 

Officers have attended after a number of the reports.

The police response follows reports of young teenagers ‘rampaging’ through the town, smashing electronic bus stop signs, traffic islands around The Lawn and Tucks plot area.

Incidents have been reported late and night and in the early hours of the morning.

One onlooker said: ‘The police were called. But by the time they turned up and found the group lots of damage had already been done.

‘This is becoming a regular occurrence in the town and people are getting very angry about it.

‘If Dawlish residents stopped turning a blind eye and started reporting this more then maybe the police would take more interest and action.’

Reports have been made of groups of youths stealing from shops and ‘causing havoc’including smashing wooden crates, until the early hours in the Strand.

Anyone witnessing the anti-social behaviour is being asked report it to the police. One witness said: ‘It’s really sad to see and hear all that is going on wrong with Dawlish from blatant shoplifting to mindless vandalism never a week goes by without hearing something which has happened.’

Other incidents were reported in Old Town Street.

Former Mayor of Dawlish and chairman of Teignbridge Council Cllr Rosie Dawson appealed for anyone who has experienced anti-social behaviour to contact the town council.

She said: ‘These incidents can be forwarded to the police advocates.

‘If we are more active reporting incidents, this would help build a stronger picture of the scale of the problem.’

There have been ongoing issues with shoplifting on a regular basis in the town both from national and local retailers.

Many of the reports of vandalism and theft are said to be carried out by young people, usually teenagers.

Some have reported children as young as 11 involved.

One resident whose car was vandalised by a group of teenagers said: ‘I have also spoken to a few people about a group of teens behaving in a way that was causing fear of harm to them and neighbouring individuals.’

In recent months, racist graffiti was sprayed on the sea wall along the railway line.

The new children’s play park in Manor Gardens hasbeen subjected to vandalism and graffiti in the past.

Anyone wanting to report incidents can do so on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.