POLICE have stepped up patrols of a Wirral cricket club's ground after vandals struck.

They were contacted by staff at Port Sunlight Cricket Club who have seen an increase in drunken, rowdy and now criminal damage activity at its Leverhulme Sports Field ground in Bromborough.

On the night of Saturday, April 20 the cricket club's covers were vandalised. Club members reported seeing dozens of teenagers across the field drinking and being rowdy that night.

Two weeks later, on Saturday May 4, police were told 'significant' numbers of teenagers were congregating and caused 'significant' damage to covers.

Police and Wirral Community were called and the gang was later dispersed. It emerged that a large number of teenagers had been dispersed from the Oval and Mayer Park in Bebington earlier that night.

Stephen Willett, secretary of Port Sunlight CC told the Globe: "As a club that serves the local community of Eastham and Bromborough it is extremely disappointing that local teenagers would vandalise equipment used by many in the community, possibly family, friends or friends of families of the guilty that rely on this equipment to enjoy social activities.

"It seems like the local area has an issue with large number of teenagers congregating at our local parks / fields smashing glass bottles and causing criminal damage.

"This sort of activity and damage has an impact on walkers, dogs and those taking part in sporting activities at Levers Fields.

"How would these teenager feel if they were part of a club that was vandalised and stopped them from participating in their chosen activities?"

Community policing inspector Georgina Minnery said: "We are aware of reports of groups of youths congregating in this area and an increase in antisocial behaviour, particularly during the recent warm weather.

"As a result we are specifically looking into the issue and have stepped up patrols in the local area.

"I would urge anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour or has any information about who is responsible to contact us either by DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 so we can take direct action against those responsible."