POLICE are urging parents to help control trouble-making teenagers after a rise in drunken antisocial behaviour in a village near York.

Groups of up to 50 youths have been reported roaming around the Copmanthorpe area after drinking alcohol.

They are reported to have been intimidating residents, breaking fences and smashing windows. In one attack, the home of a 92-year-old resident was targeted.

North Yorkshire Police say incidents of antisocial behaviour in the village last month more than doubled – from five to 11 – compared to the same period in 2010.

Sgt Andy Haigh, of the force’s York Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team, believes the teenagers may also be to blame for a recent increase in disturbances, thefts, burglaries and criminal damage in nearby Bishopthorpe.

This includes six cars being damaged in the School Lane area. Phrases such as “the crisis continues” and “this is only the beginning”’ were scratched into the paintwork.

Petrol caps have also been stolen, and there have been a number of shed and garage break-ins and several burglaries and attempted burglaries.

Sgt Haigh said Bishopthorpe’s crime and antisocial behaviour levels had dropped sharply this year compared to 2010 and the Safer Neighbourhood Team wanted to ensure this trend was not reversed.

He is now asking parents to ensure they know where their children are at night and whether they are aware of them drinking. He is also cracking down on traders who sell booze to under-age customers.

“A lot of alcohol has been taken and destroyed, but the youths keep returning and are coming from the village, Tadcaster and Leeds,” he said.

“They roam around the village and don’t seem to have anywhere to go. They seem to be hanging around the Copmanthorpe recreational centre and the Low Green area. Copmanthorpe is a quiet village with many elderly residents and it is a shock to have more than 50 kids walking about. I would like to ask parents if they know where their children are at night and what they are spending their money on. There were anti-social behaviour incidents in the Low Green area of the village two years ago, so we want to nip this in the bud now.”

Sgt Haigh said officers had stepped up patrols, confiscated alcohol and asked children if their parents knew where they are.

They are also working with a local Co-operative store to prevent underage sales.

The move means shop assistants will refuse to serve anyone under the age of 30.

Police have also been working with Tadcaster Grammar School, where the youths are believed to be pupils.

Sgt Haigh said teachers at the school have been “very supportive”, with assemblies being held to discourage youngsters from gathering in Copmanthorpe.

Anyone with information about crime in their area can phone their local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 60 60 247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.