Ref. 26733-14Swindon police took to the streets in a bid to tackle underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Two officers patrolled areas of Upper Stratton as part of a high-visibility operation in response to recent complaints from residents.

Acting sergeant Matthew Price, of Swindon Police's east sector, said residents' main concerns were youngsters drinking and creating too much noise.

He said: "New shift patterns in the police force mean we are now able to put officers out in the streets to respond to people's complaints.

"We are aiming to target problems identified at meet-ings and react to them.

"We are concentrating on areas in Upper Stratton around Meadowcroft, and Welcombe Avenue and Marlowe Avenue in the Parks where there have been reports of anti-social behaviour.

"Most people are receptive when we approach them."

Sgt Price and PC John Brixey started their shift at the Meadowcroft Recreation ground on Thursday at 6pm where they chatted to local children and residents.

Jenny Wilkins, 40, of Cow-leaze Walk, said she was amazed yet delighted to see the increased police presence.

"I can't believe it," she said. "It's about time we had the police out here.

"It's really good to see them walking around.

"I had to call them out last November because there were children setting off fireworks in the field.

"Kids aren't anti-social all the time. It's fine if they're chatting quietly out here.

"But there's elderly people round here who get a bit upset when the noise gets a little too much."

Mrs Wilkins' children Lucina, 10, and Christopher, seven, were also pleased to see the police presence.

Christopher, a Ruskin Junior School pupil, said: "When I'm older I want to be a policeman.

"I like seeing them because they make me feel safe."

By the end of the evening's exercise the police officers had spoken to several youths and local residents.

The boys in blue had confiscated two bottles of lager from a 16-year-old and cautioned another with a section five of the Public Order act for swearing.