Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team has set its new priorities for the coming months.

The team will increase patrols of Methuen and Awdry Avenue following reports from several residents of groups of youths drinking, shouting and causing damage late into the evening.

Patrols will also be increased in rural areas, to combat a spate of thefts from farms, where catalytic converters and quantities of metal have been stolen.

Thirdly, they will focus on groups who have been throwing bags of dog mess at passing cars. PC Barry Dalton of the Melksham NPT said: “This has primarily been happening on the new bypass up towards the A3102, and in the King George V Playing Field near Lowbourne Road.

“It’s usually happening in the evenings, around 8pm, where youngsters have been seen.”