Children as young as 13 have concerned police following a number of ‘criminal damage’ incidents over the last few weeks, Dartmouth Town Council was told.

Ahead of his upcoming retirement, Sgt Iain Simons gave a short report on ongoing problems within the town at last night’s council meeting.

He said that of the “several incidences of criminal damage” reported over the last month, including the toilets on Coronation Park, police have received information and investigations are ongoing.

It is among the incidents police believe to have been carried out by children as young as 13-16.

“It is a real problem. We are struggling to understand the behaviour of these young people, and speaking to some of them today their complete disregard for your community and the impact it’s having. Believe me, these matters will be followed through”, said Sgt Simons.

County Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, added: “I would like with the town council to set up a youth forum. It is very important. We have got to ensure that the youth of this town get the very best from us. They’re the future."

His update on the Market Square burglaries was that the individual responsible has been arrested, and is now in prison.

Estimating that there were almost 20,000 people in town last weekend, he said: “I feel that the music festival was an extreme success.” He gave praise for the decrease in anti-social behaviour reports as a result of alcohol: “I think the town should be congratulated for that.”

Cllr Tessa de Galleani informed Sgt Simons of broken glass left in the community vegetable beds, and Cllr Gerald Yardy raised the question of CCTV, which Sgt Simons confirmed is in the works with the council.

The police station is due to be reopened this summer, bringing with it response units to help patrol the town.

Following his retirement, Sgt Dave Crofts will replace Sgt Simons’ role this June.

More on the meeting to follow.