The police are "invisible" in School Mead, Abbots Langley, according to the chairman of a residents’ association.

Peter Scott, chairman of Hillside Residents Association said that despite the level of anti-social behaviour improving in recent months, there should be more of a police presence in the area.

He said: "The young people are getting better, not by much, but they are getting a little bit better.

"I actually think that there should be more of a police presence. There should be more patrols, not just walking down from one end to the other." 

In May, Hertfordshire Constabulary said they wanted to increase their presence in the area after the police were "made aware of local youths causing issues outside the shops."

Neil Canning, Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant for Abbots Langley said: "Residents and businesses had previously voiced concern about youths congregating at the shops at School Mead and so we made it a local policing priority. 

"In addition to regular patrols, a great deal of work has been done in the area and, as a result, reports of anti-social behaviour in the ward have reduced by 18 per cent." 

Staff who work at the shops around School Mead believe that anti-social behaviour is "not as bad as it used to be" 

Sam Ahmed, assistant manager at Dominos Pizza praised the police and said that the issue was a lot better than it used to be.

He said: "We are happy with the police, but before, our drivers wanted to leave the job because of these kids. It is very, very embarrassing for us."

The assistant manager told the Watford Observer about one instance where young people bought a pizza before "throwing it at the window" two or three months ago, and that they had had problems with them trying to "grab the boxes" as drivers were taking them out to their cars. 

He said: "We complained to the police about 40 times, but we did not have any proof.

"We were upset that they did not take any action at that time. We started taking their pictures and giving it to the police and this was good for us.

"But it is better and overall, we are happy."

Clare Shilston, supervisor at Spar, said: "We have not had any problems recently.

"We have had problems in the past but not as much now, but then, there are quite a few of the kids who are barred." 

Sergeant Canning added: "Much of the work has involved identifying the young people involved and meeting with their parents, with them present, to discuss their behaviour. 

"If a child persists with the behaviour we will issue them with an acceptable behaviour agreement and in the extreme case, issue them with an anti-social behaviour order, of which one has been given."