A SECURITY guard being spat at, and a shop employee being punched on the same night, are instances of anti-social behaviour blighting a town.

Saltney has seen a sharp rise in anti-social behaviour involving local youths, but police say they have identified the perpetrators and have taken steps to stamp it out.

Morrisons and Go Outdoors in Saltney are two hot spots for the activity, as well as shops on the Moorcroft Mews area of the high street.

Staff have in recent weeks been victims of threats, foul and abusive language, and on a couple of occasions have been physically assaulted.

PCSO Dan Hughes raised the issue at Saltney Town Council's meeting on Wednesday evening (February 13).

He said: "The offenders are particularly prevalent in and around Go Outdoors and Morrisons. Go Outdoors has seen a spate of thefts, while Morrisons staff and its customers are being targeted for abuse by the youths.

"One man working in Instep Podiatry on Moorcroft Mews was punched in the stomach by one of the youths, but he didn't want to follow up the report with a complaint, as he is not local to the area.

"On the same evening, the same group abused staff in Morrisons, which included a security guard being spat at."

He added: "We know who they are, they have been spoken to in front of their parents and have been given youth referral orders, as well as being banned from Morrisons for six months.

"If they continue to offend, we will escalate the punishment to a public order breach."

But councillors have called for tougher action in dealing with the offenders.

Cllr Veronica Gay said: "I'm just concerned that banning them from Morrisons won't deal with the issue, as they'll just find somewhere else to go and cause trouble.

"I've had a lot of concerned residents and staff contact me about this, it needs to be stamped out."