An anti-social behaviour campaign targeting local teenagers have been launched by the council following a spate of anti-social behaviour incidents in local car parks.

Warwickshire Police and Warwick District Council are calling on parents to be more aware of where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing.

In recent months there have been regular reports of incidents involving groups of young people aged around 14 to 16 years gathering in car parks at weekends, in the early evenings and also during the school holidays.

In particular calls have been made about Covent Garden car park in Leamington Spa.

The council said youngsters "who are usually hooded" have been lighting fires, covering the walls with "indecent" graffiti and damaging cameras.

On occasions the car park has also been broken into, with teenagers accessing the upper storeys through the fencing.

Grafitti and damage at Covent Garden car park in Leamington Spa (Image supplied)

Cllr Judith Falp, portfolio holder for health and community protection said something needed to be done now before someone gets hurt.

"Not only is the behaviour of these groups causing distress to car park users, but it is also a safety issue to themselves and the public," she said.

"Before this escalates into a potential tragedy, we would like to highlight the problem to parents and schools to encourage them to communicate the risks and potential consequences to young people, particularly as we approach the summer holiday period."

Ch Insp Karen Jones of Warwickshire Police added: "Anti-Social Behaviour can have a real and devastating effect on individuals, and communities alike, it can also be extremely intimidating even if this is not the intention. 

"Younger members of our community are reminded to enjoy the summer months safely, lawfully and with others in mind."

Any resident who is concerned about anti-social behaviour can visit the council's website for further information and contact details.