TACKLING anti-social behaviour in Littleham is still a top priority. That is the police message designed to reassure worried residents who continue to speak out about how a gang of youths torment their lives. A 54-year-old woman said trouble in the Midway

TACKLING anti-social behaviour in Littleham is still a top priority.

That is the police message designed to reassure worried residents who continue to speak out about how a gang of youths torment their lives.

A 54-year-old woman said trouble in the Midway and Liverton Close areas had got so bad in recent weeks she has had a CCTV system installed at her home.

The woman, who refused to be named in fear of reprisals, said her son has been bullied by a gang who hang around her neighbourhood and threatened to pour petrol over him.

Speaking in last week's Exmouth Journal, George Johnson, of Liverton Close, said youths had daubed obscene language in blood onto cars, set a recycling bin on fire and sprayed graffiti on his porch.

Nicola Payne, police community support officer for Littleham, said anti social behaviour was a top priority after an increase in criminal damage, intimidation and general nuisance in the area.

She added: "Many residents have suffered for far too long and attempts to intervene and engage with this group have failed.

"The behaviour, damage and intimidation has become so regular that a different approach has to be implemented."

Nicola said a mobile police surgery would be held in the Littleham area starting on Saturday, October 17, where people could raise any problems, queries or concerns with the neighbourhood team.

The bus will visit the Jarvis Close car park on October 17 between 1pm and 3pm. A surgery will also take place on Tuesday, November 17, between 2pm and 4pm.

Nicola said a rise in anti-social behaviour had led to a multi-agency approach being launched to address the issue.

This involves the police, East Devon District Council, the Devon Community Safety Partnership and youth services.

Because part of the village has been plagued with problems from gangs of youths for a number of months, Littleham has now been made a dispersal zone.

Police are also gaining evidence to support applications to issue anti-social behaviour orders to lessen the amount of trouble.

Exmouth sergeant Phil Godfrey said he was concerned about the increase in anti-social behaviour and vandalism, particularly in Liverton Close.

"Over the past two years the Littleham beat team have done a huge amount of work to engage will all sections of the community and have jointly addressed some of the issues that affect quality of life," he said.