A GANG of yobs are terrorising shoppers and staff in a retail park by riding bikes in an anti-social manner.

Police have received complaints about a recent rise in anti-social behaviour involving youths on bikes North Valley Retail Park, North Valley Road, in Colne.

The incidents centre around the Sainsbury’s to KFC part of the site, with staff and residents concerned about the behaviour.

Large groups of youths have been spotted clipping cars with their bikes and causing damage, and intimidating shoppers by riding towards them and breaking hard.

Officers said there are also third hand reports of people getting angry and taking matters into their own hands.

Colne Neighbourhood Policing Team said on Facebook: “Colne Community Officers wish to point out that in the Retail Park North Valley from Sainsbury’s to KFC, complaints from public and store staff state that there has been a recent rise in antisocial behaviour involving in particular youths on pedal cycles (could you be one of their parents??)

“There are reports of cycles clipping cars and causing damage, intimidating shoppers by riding towards them and breaking hard.

“There are anecdotal third hand reports of public getting angry and taking matters into their own hands (we would not advocate this).

“One cycle has recently been seized and the parents attended to resolve the issue.

It has prompted officers to warn the perpetrators that there are penalties for criminal damage.

Officers said: “Bear in mind that there are penalties for criminal damage, public order offences and cycling offences.

“Some of the intimidated victims have been young children and elderly.

“We do not want to be arresting youths and seizing bikes to resolve this issue.

“Know what your children are up to.

“We understand the implications of having a criminal record as a young job seeker, don’t let your child have this stigma.

“No one minds youths frequenting the area, but respect the facilities and the people that use them.”

PC Nigel Keates, of Colne and West Craven Police, said: “This is just irresponsible behaviour and they need to show more respect.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said they were aware of the issue and are supporting the local authorities.

KFC were unavailable for comment.