OFFICERS tackling antisocial behaviour issues in Nailsworth are urging people not to buy alcohol for children, stating that it is contributing to the problem.

Police patrols in the town have been stepped up during evenings and weekends in recent months, following concerns about youngsters vandalising property, stealing from shops and generally causing nuisance.

Many of the incidents are believed to be alcohol-related, and while storeholders have been advised to exercise caution when serving adults who may potentially supply alcohol to those under age, they are not always easy to spot.

One person who bought two cases of beer from a supermarket in the town was later seen handing them over to a group of youngsters at the bus station.

Inspector Brian Clifford said: “We have been working closely with Stroud District Council and other partners to tackle the problem, and while we are making progress, one of the most difficult issues is people being coaxed into buying alcohol for the underage group.

“It may be that those responsible are unaware they're adding to the problems.

“But once the alcohol is in our teenagers' possession, we almost always get a wave of criminal damage, littering and other antisocial behaviour.

“We would remind everyone living and working in the area to consider the consequences if approached by youngsters to buy drink on their behalf.”

The SNJ took an extensive look into incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in Nailsworth, click here for more.