DRUNKEN yobs went on the rampage in Chard at the weekend, damaging shops and cars.

Damage included five broken shop windows, shop alarms set off, smashed security shutters in Morrisons and three cars dented in the incident in the early hours of Sunday.

Now residents are calling for a greater police presence in the town on Friday and Saturday nights to curb antisocial behaviour.

Cllr Julian Dorse, who saw the incident taking place, said the trouble was standard for weekends.

He said: “On a Friday and Saturday night, the town is becoming a no go area due to vandalism and intimidation by drunken yobs.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous behaviour and I don’t know how they didn’t get seriously injured because they were hurling themselves at things.

“The road work barriers were just thrown all over the place – it’s very intimidating for people who live in the town or those who are going past when these incidents take place.

“We need a greater police presence in the town between 1am and 6am and I would willingly go on patrol with police to point out a few hotspots.

“As a councillor, I understand that resources for the police are tight with money being cut but the first port of call should be the town centre.

"The more people that call 101 and report incidents, the better picture the police have and can move resources to combat a problem area.”

Jordana Gidley, writing on the News’ Facebook page, added: “It might help if the community was involved more, seeing as so much goes on in Chard but we never hear about it.”

Sgt Rob Jameson said: “Dealing with the night-time economy is a priority for us. “If people do see or hear things going on then we want them to get in touch with us.

“We are appealing for witnesses to this incident. If you know who these people are, call us on 101 and let us know.”