A RISE in anti-social behaviour in St Dogmaels needs to be stamped out before it escalates, a meeting of the village community council has been told.

Lights have been smashed at the village hall, youngsters have been getting on the roof at the back of the hall near the playground, laser lights have been shone through windows and youngsters have been knocking on doors and running off.

Community council chairman Cllr Jo Hutchings said: “There are reports of residents being concerned and scared.

“I had words with one group and got a right mouthful off them. There were some older youths there and I feel they were leading the younger ones on.

“This needs stopping before it escalates and someone gets into serious trouble.

“They are frightening people especially the elderly. It might seem like a joke but something much worse could happen.”

The council heard that police patrols were being stepped up in the village but concerned residents were urged to call 101 to report anti-social behaviour.

“The police do a good job but they cannot do it all on their own and things need to be reported and then the police can deal with it,” added Cllr Hutchings.

Cllr Tony Dyer said it was a “very small minority” causing trouble.

“There are a lot of good children in this village and we must not overestimate the problem,” he added.