Officers are repeating last year's high profile campaign against yob behaviour in the town and on the surrounding estates, and have arrested or cautioned 21 youths in the opening three weeks of the school holidays.

Ten youths have had their booze confiscated, another six have been warned about anti-social driving, and five have been arrested for 'various offences' including being drunk and disorderly.

The campaign has been revived after last year’s long summer nights saw increasing levels of petty crime, especially on the Nightingales, Pigeons Farm, Turnpike and Manor Park estates.

Operation Footstep is being run by local beat officers, and Sgt Graham Hurst from the Newbury and Thatcham police sector said: "While the majority of the youngsters have fun enjoying their free time without causing any trouble at all, there is always a minority who see the holidays as a perfect opportunity to run a bit wild, forgetting that other people want to be able to go about their lives without being disturbed by their behaviour - be that noise, litter or intimidation.

"I want this minority group to know that their behaviour will not be tolerated, residents have had enough and we are responding to those concerns. I also urge parents to support us, even if that just takes the form of knowing where your children are when they are not at home."