WAYWARD Ludgershall youths who vandalise property, intimidate the elderly or use drink and drugs in public places could become the first in Wiltshire to face anti-social behaviour or-ders (ASBOs), a meeting in the village was told.

At a well-attended annual parish meeting police section commander Sgt Paul Oatway said that such drastic action might be taken to tackle unruly youths.

ASBOs are tailor-made to contain measures to stop an individual's anti-social behaviour or prohibit them entering a specified area.

Breaching an order is a criminal offence.

Although 500 ASBOs have been introduced in England and Wales, no orders have been drawn up so far in Wiltshire but Home Office minister John Denham has pledged to make their introduction easier.

Sgt Oatway told the gathering that during the year to April there had been 162 crimes reported to police in Ludgershall which was a slight reduction on the previous year.

But the figure of 162 crimes included 54 items of damage.

"A small number of offenders can cause a lot of damage," said Sgt Oatway.

"I know that the damage is worrying but it is difficult to detect and we need to be more observant although there is little doubt that the main area of concern is youth.

"We are doing as much about it as we can but it is not just a police problem it is a matter for parents.

"Where are these parents? Do they know where their children are or do they care?

"Don't blame me, blame them."

Vandalism has afflicted several part of the village and parish council chairman Jim Calder said the cost to the parish council of making good the damage in the past year alone had been £2,431.

Only a small proportion could be reclaimed through insurance as there is an excess charge and each act of vandalism is treated as a fresh claim.

l Even as the meeting got under way at the Pavilion three teenage boy could be seen outside drinking in the Wendy house.