POLICE have stepped up patrols in the Knights Grange area of Winsford in an attempt to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

The Knights Grange Sports Complex has been targeted by vandals in recent weeks and calls have been made by residents and councillors for police to address the problem.

Insp Brian Roberts, from Winsford's neighbourhood policing unit, said: "PC Keeley Powles has been working on a number of operations in the area.

"A number of arrests have already been made for damage and disorderly behaviour.

"Offenders have been prosecuted for traffic offences due to the use of vehicles and a number of Section 59 warnings given to confiscate motorcycles. Keeley and I are working closely with Grange Residents' Association and the residents.

"Our priority is the identification of the youths and an assessment as to what we do with them.

"This will include enforcement but it may be that certain individuals get a visit by the police to the parents or a letter advising them of their behaviour."

The increased police presence is a result of a number of incidents in recent weeks including motorcycles being driven across the sports field and changing rooms set on fire. Insp Roberts said: "Community support officer Claire Hulse has been working on a motorcycle initiative and has obtained details of a number of offenders.

"Keeley has also sent a number of letters out to parents warning them of the consequences of their children offending."