POLICE officers have responded to reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) around Winchester city centre with an increase in patrols.

The new city centre team launched patrols in Middle Brook Street following concerns from residents and has warned action will be taken against offenders.

On Saturday, March 25 Winchester police posted on Facebook: “Officers from Winchester city have included Middle Brook Street in their ASB patrols of the city centre due to recent concerns raised around youths causing antisocial behaviour in the area affecting local residents. Checks so far have raised no concerns but patrols will continue.”

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A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "Officers included Middle Brook Street as part of their patrols this weekend, after we received a letter from a local resident raising anti-social behaviour issues there.

"While we have had no direct reports of anti-social behaviour in Middle Brook Street since the start of the year, we have included the street as part of our patrols and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.

"We always urge people to report concerns or incidents to us, as it allows us to focus resources in the places they are needed the most.

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"The Winchester City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to proactively patrol areas of the city centre where anti-social behaviour has been reported. We have a range of powers available to us, and we have recently started agreeing acceptable behaviour contracts with some of those identified as being involved.

"Those people responsible should know that we will take action, and this could ultimately lead to you having a criminal record. This in turn could affect eligibility for employment, as well as the ability to borrow money and travel abroad. We also urge parents to know where their children are if they are out in the evenings or at the weekend."

People can report incidents by calling 101 or online at hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb/report-antisocial-behaviour/. In an emergency, always dial 999.