Teenagers 'fire ball bearings from slingshots' in Littlemoor Shopping Centre

It is the latest incident in a spate of anti-social behaviour at Littlemoor in Weymouth.

A community leader has asked 'frustrated' residents to keep contacting police following the latest bout of trouble.

It comes after shop workers on the estate said anti-social behaviour is 'getting out of hand' in the area following reports of alleged shop thefts, bottles being thrown at delivery vans, a shop window damaged and even a call-out to a young person said to be in the possession of a machete.

Police say they have stepped up patrols and conducted home visits.

On New Year's Day, officers were called after the window of McColl’s convenience store at Littlemoor Shopping Centre was damaged by a ball bearing fired from a catapult and a person was almost hit.

Littlemoor Shopping Centre

• Read more: Reports of anti-social behaviour at Home Bargains

No-one from the shop wanted to comment.

Dorset Council councillor for Littlemoor and Preston Louie O'Leary said: "I was actually getting cash out of an ATM at Littlemoor Shopping Centre and saw police in attendance.

"I believe it was a young group firing ball bearings with a slingshot on the grass verge.

"I've seen that it's caused damage to the entrance of McColl's. It's a dangerous thing to do and it's part of a wider issues happening on the estate.

Another shop window that was previously damaged at Littlemoor Shopping Centre

"I know as much as anyone how frustrating these incidents are for residents, but I'd urge everyone to keep contacting police because if they don't, then nothing will never change."

• Read more: Weymouth residents demand action over thefts, vandalism and yobs with machetes

Littlemoor Safety Forum co-ordinator Tony A'Lee said residents say there is nothing to do for young people on the estate.

Mr A'Lee said: "I'm aware of the incidents.

"I've spoken to some residents regarding the anti-social behaviour (ASB) and they respond by saying the 'youngsters are bored' with nothing to do.

"I do believe we should be looking at doing things for the good children on the estate, of which there are many. We must not appease the unruly ones who only want to create problems around the area."

As a result, a public meeting at Littlemoor Community Centre will now highlight the work the police are doing to tackle ASB in the area.

Mr A'Lee added: "The ASB will be high on the agenda for our next meeting on Monday (January 10) along with the anger of some residents about the bad publicity that the Littlemoor area gets."

Cllr O'Leary added: "I hope people come along to the meeting and police and other agencies can provide an update on what they're doing and their plans going forward."

A spokesman from Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 5.20pm on Saturday, January 1 that a metal ball bearing had been launched toward a member of the public, but did not hit them, and the window of McColl’s at Littlemoor Shopping Centre had also been hit by a ball bearing, believed to have been launched from a catapult.

"Officers attended and the member of the public had left the area.

"Enquiries were carried out and two local boys, aged 13 and 14, were identified as suspected of being involved. They were issued with dispersal orders and are assisting with the ongoing investigation into the matter, which has included a review of available CCTV footage."

The spokesman added: "Following concerns raised recently in relation to anti-social behaviour in the Littlemoor area, officers have been carrying out increased patrols and conducting home visits jointly along with ASB Housing Officers.

"This work forms part of Operation Relentless, the force’s drive to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB). The operation aims to remind residents and visitors that Dorset Police takes a tough approach to ASB and send a very clear message to those involved that it simply will not be tolerated in the county.

"We would encourage everyone to please report incidents of anti-social behaviour to Dorset Police.

"These reports help us to build an intelligence picture across the area to find out where anti-social behaviour is occurring and to direct patrols to any areas that have increased reporting of ASB."