Parents in Witney have been warned to expect a 'knock on the door' if they fail to take action over their rowdy children.

Letters from the police have already been delivered to the homes of 17 children suspected of antisocial behaviour.

The letters were the result of a covert operation last Thursday and Friday nights, which saw seven young people arrested for public order offences between 6pm and 1am. A total of 41 young people had their details checked by officers.

The exercise, codenamed Operation Juggle, saw non-uniformed officers secretly film young people at the Buttercross, and other areas, including Edington Square in the west of the town.

Young people were seen drinking alcohol, swearing, harassing passers-by and damaging property.

The operation is expected to lead to the issue of a number of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts - informal agreements in which offenders promise to keep the peace and not carry out antisocial acts.

Failure to honour such contracts can lead to Antisocial Behaviour Orders, which can in turn, lead to jail, if the terms are breached.

Witney's police commander, Chief Insp Dennis Evernden, said: "This will have been a very good result if this kind of behaviour reduces. It also sends out a strong deterrent message. People need to think about helping to teach their children about their rights and responsibilities."

Speaking about Edington Square, Pc Pam Delahay said: "A large group of people were spoken to about their behaviour."

West Oxfordshire District Council's head of community services, Bill Oddy, said: "This is something we'll be doing on a regular basis.

"It may be the Buttercross this month and somewhere else next month. Many parents may not know there's a problem."