Residents in the village are being called upon by police to report incidents of anti-social behaviour and identify those causing trouble in the area.

PC Sabrina Read, Anti-Social Behaviour officer at Amersham police station, said: "The Prestwood neighbourhood policing team, Chiltern District Council and Paradigm Housing Association have identified that anti-social behaviour is a problem in and around the Hazel Road area and are working together to solve the ongoing issues.

"We know what the problems are, but we now need to find out who is responsible so we can take action.

"Prestwood is historically a quiet and low crime area. However, over the past weeks and months there seems to have been an increase of anti-social behaviour and we are determined to tackle this so that residents can live in peace.

"We get a lot of names given to us after the anti-social behaviour has taken place.

"While this is helpful, it isn't sufficient when we want to take action against trouble makers.

"We need residents to call as the anti-social behaviour is occurring and for those affected to give first-hand details which will lead to the identification of troublemakers.

"We've got a variety of very effective measures open to us to make those responsible for the incidents change their ways – ranging from letters to parents, to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) in those very serious cases."

"We've successfully tackled anti-social behaviour in other areas of the district and resident's assistance is the key.

"In the Waterside area of Chesham earlier this year, for example, we were able to stop stone throwing and vandalism to cars after residents identified the group of youths responsible.

"They signed Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and letters were written to parents.

"Officers will be carrying out a leaflet drop in the next few weeks to encourage residents to help.

"Issues residents have reported include drug abuse, noise, vehicle-related nuisance, rowdy and nuisance behaviour and intimidation and harassment.

"Anti-social behaviour can also affect the tenancies of those living in social housing and can result in evictions in the very serious cases."

Anyone who would like to help should report anti-social behaviour when they see it on 0845 8 505 505.

If you don't want to talk to police and don't want to leave your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Another way to assist would be to keep an anti-social behaviour log, noting the time, date, day, location and details of incidents as they occur and names responsible and forward them to The Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, Amersham Police Station, King George V Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP6 5AL.