POLICE in rural Wrexham have teamed up with youth justice officers and a drone team to tackle a 'spike' in anti-social behaviour.

The Leader has reported previously on Operation Blue Hummingbird.

It was created to 'prevent problems in identified hotspots, reassure the community, engage with youths and work with partner agencies to provide intervention and education to youths and parents' following concerns about anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Gavin Gilmore of the Wrexham Rural police team said there has been an uplift in the number of offences by youths aged 11 to 15 over recent weeks.

He said the offences have included a range of criminal damage caused to vehicles and properties in areas such as Brynteg, Ponciau, Caego, Southsea, Plas Madoc and Cefn Mawr.

"We have identified a number of youths and are looking to start bringing prosecutions through the youth court soon," he explained.

"Due to the increase, we want to protect the local community.

"It is an ongoing evidence gathering process.

"We are using drones to help us and have asked Youth Justice to do foot patrols as well.

"It's about my teams being in the right place at the right time and having the capacity to deal with these issues. "I'd urge parents to speak to us and ask for help if they are concerned about the behaviour of their children.

"We take a problem solving approach and use all of the resources we have available, working with partners and agencies - because police might not always be the best resource for the problem.

"This is not just policing. It's a county-wide and inter-agency approach."

On his message to the residents concerned about the impact of anti-social behaviour, he added: "We're always thankful for residents coming forward with information. "We need to know what us happening so I would urge people to speak to their PCSOs or call 101.

"I understand there's an issue with anti-social behaviour.

"We are listening and are working to do something about it."

Wrexham Youth Justice Service/Wrexham Council was approached for a comment.