POLICE are cracking down on gangs of youths who have been on the rampage at a Devizes supermarket.

The teenagers congregate outside Morrisons and then cause trouble inside by swearing at staff and customers and causing damage to displays.

Police have twice been called to the store in recent weeks when the gangs have got out of hand but the problem is still continuing and they have now appealed to the public for help identifying the culprits.

Community Coordinator PC Teresa Herbert, of the East Community Policing Team, said: “We are aware of an ongoing problem with a group of youths who congregate outside the Morrisons supermarket in Devizes, and on occasion, the youths have been causing problems inside the store by swearing at staff, causing damage to some displays and have acted in an anti-social manner.

"This has caused alarm and distress to both customers and staff. Such behaviour can be quite intimidating.

“As a result, we have increased patrols in the area and given strong words of advice to youths found loitering on premises. Enquiries are continuing in relation to the identification of those offenders involved in these incidents.

“I’d like to appeal to members of the public who may have witnessed this group of youths acting in this way to please get in touch via 101. I’d also urge anyone to call 101 if they see anti-social behaviour in progress.”

Police were first called to the store in the evening on December 14 when youths caused a disturbance before refusing to leave when asked by a member of staff.

Then two weeks later on December 30 just before 8pm a larger gang of teenagers, believed to be aged about 15, caused a disturbance by swearing and shouting.