Private security guards have been recruited to support police in a seaside town during the school holidays to stop troublesome youths.
Businesses in Herne Bay, Kent, said multiple children have been stealing, shouting abuse and throwing objects at animals in the park.
Akon Security have been granted an £8,500 contract by the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's office to crack down on antisocial behaviour.
Two security guards will work five days of the week, while police will increase their presence on the other days.
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|The youths have been stealing from charity shops
Despite Akon workers not having the power to arrest anyone, they will act as a deterrent and support officers in reporting crimes.
Corner shop owner on the high street, Heena Thakkar, said children had been terrorising her for years and hoped the new enforcement would improve things.
Thakkar said: "We have had problems with them, but with the new patrols, it has gotten a lot better. They come to check on my shop at least two times a day.
"We had kids coming in a little gang, and they are only about eight or 10 years old. They would always steal stuff.
"They would also throw eggs and fruit at our doors. They were always lobbing trolleys at the windows. This was going on for four months, then they started killing ducks in the park."
A charity shop worker, who prefers to remain nameless, echoed Thakkar's thoughts.
They said: "If anyone ever leaves donations when we are closed, then the bags are destroyed and stink of urine.
"Theft has gone up loads even though we have cameras. These kids don't care that we have them. They steal about 50 items a month, which is a few hundred pounds of revenue.
"Most of our volunteers are old or vulnerable, so even if they see something, there isn't a lot that they can do."
PA
|Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's office will fund the project
The Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's office will fund the project and support Kent police and Kent County Council (KCC) wardens.
A commissioner spokesman said that as part of the KCC budget for "crime reduction grants", Canterbury's County Community Safety Partnership (CSP) was given an additional £8,500 so they can "respond to seasonal ASB in the coastal area of Herne Bay".
District commander in Canterbury, Chief Inspector Paul Stoner, said: "Being visible is the bedrock of Kent Police's neighbourhood policing model, with community-focused beat teams as well as officers working with licensed premises dedicated to keep the town and surrounding areas safe and enjoyable for all.
"Partnership working with other agencies, including Canterbury City Council, is well-established, and any initiative introduced by a partner organisation aimed at making an area safer will be supported appropriately."