YOUTHS throwing paint and terrorising elderly people are some of the incidents that have led police to up patrols in Barrow town centre.

Police in the town say there has been an increase in central Barrow with teenagers involved in a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour.

These are said to be mainly focused in the areas of the Portland Walk multi-storey car park and outside McDonald’s in Dalton Road.

The last two weeks have seen teens involved in assaults and hate crimes outside the fast food restaurant.

Police were also investigating after teenagers threw paint on passers-by from the top of the car park.

Sergeant Andy Travis said police had recently increased patrols and were hopeful of reducing misbehaviour.

He said: “We are aware of an increase in anti-social behaviour in the town centre. This is mainly in the areas of the multi storey carpark and McDonalds.

“There was a similar issue in August and September 2019. At that time we increased patrols in the area and worked closely with key businesses to help then tackle and deal with the issues.

“This worked well and the number of incidents reduced.

“In the last few weeks we have identified an increase and are working to identify those involved as well looking to increase our patrol activity in the area.”

Police said on Monday they were investigating after homophobic abuse was directed at two boys aged 13 and 14 outside McDonald’s.

Lee Wicks, a prominent LGBT activist in Barrow, said: “Thankfully we have a police force which take hate crime very seriously.

“I hope they find the people responsible and they can be not only reprimanded but educated.”

Barrow councillor Bill McEwan said he had noticed an increase in youth crime and was aware of youngsters recently walking along the top of cars.

He said: “We have go to do something about this.

“We need to find somewhere for young people to go in the town centre.

“But I’m all for police increasing patrols.”