POLICE have stepped up patrols after reports of vulnerable people being targeted by ‘misbehaving youths’.

Neighbourhood officers in the Ightenhill area of Burnley have taken the action after they also received an increase in reports of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

A police spokesman said: “The local neighbourhood policing team have been working hard over the last few weeks to tackle the anti-social behaviour up Ightenhill and we will continue to work hard.

“Ightenhill has been identified as a hotspot area for youths misbehaving. Some of this behaviour is concerning as it includes targeting vulnerable people, criminal damage and causing fear, alarm and distress to local residents.

“Over the last week, we have been working to identify the children involved and those names given have all been spoken to and warned re: their behaviour.

“As the local neighbourhood policing team, we have been patrolling the area constantly on foot, in plain vehicles and in marked vehicles. This is going to continue.

“If you have any concerns either contact 101 at the time of the incident, or email 5978@lancashire.pnn.police.uk with details.”