TACKLING antisocial behaviour and criminal damage in Harnham is a priority for the community policing team.

Officers having been carrying out patrols in areas including the recreation ground, Middle Street and Middle Street Meadow, Lower Street and the Town Path running from the Old Mill to Queen Elizabeth Gardens in the city centre.

This comes after reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage involving catapults.

A police spokesman said: “Over the last week 24 patrols have been recorded, where officers have engaged with all persons present and confronted inappropriate behaviour, including picking up discarded litter. One arrest of a teenager was made for a Public Order Act offence.

“We will continue to make this area a priority and where grounds exist, we’ll carry out searches and any catapults or ammunition will be seized. We’ll work closely with key partners such as Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Council to tackle this issue.

“We would urge parents to play an active role in supporting this community priority by removing catapults from their children, before further harm or damage is caused or legal action is taken against those found in possession.”