POLICE have pledged to crack down on anti-social youths causing trouble in the High Street and starting fires in the village after dark.

At a residents' meeting last Thursday, villagers said youngsters were out of control and running amok in Harefield High Street.

The youths hanging around in large groups have intimidated and worried residents, and police have promised to tackle the situation.

The anti-social behaviour reported by people includes throwing eggs and other food at shops, and setting fire to pizza boxes on the village green.

For many residents, their actions have meant the village is a no go area at night.

Police Sergeant Alan Moore said he had already taken steps to nip the trouble in the bud and to prevent any more as Halloween approaches.

Halloween and bonfire night, just a week apart, usually signal an upturn in problems.

He said: "We have visited shops around the village and asked them to keep their eggs to one side and off display.

"We will be blitzing the troublemakers over the next two weeks and hopefully get special assistance.

"We have started identifying who the troublemakers are, and we have started taking them home to their parents and explaining what exactly they have been doing.

"As a result, a couple of them are not doing it any more."

The fires on the green are out of range of CCTV so, much to their frustration, police have not been able to pinpoint any suspects.

Last Thursday evening, the Gazette witnessed youths throwing food at the Co-op, in Harefield High Street. Staff called police but by time they arrived the youngsters had dispersed.

The worst problems seem to be in the High Street and the north of the village, although the police said some of those responsible were from the south.

* Are you affected? What's the solution? Email dancoombs@ trinitysouth.co.uk.