It comes after problems around McDonald's and the Howard Centre.

Herts Police say there were 35 reports of antisocial activities throughout December, and there have been 6 since the New Year.

Complaints have included young people riding bicycles through the shopping centre, gathering outside the fast food restaurant, intimidating passers-by and using foul language.

Herts Police say the Safer Neighbourhood Team have stepped up patrols in the affected areas, first speaking to those young people responsible as well as issuing a total of seven warning letters.

This is followed up by a home visit where those responsible and their parents or carers are spoken to about the matter. Further police action is then taken in partnership with the council's ASB team if the behaviour continues, in the form of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and Community Protection Warnings.

Over the weekend of January 5/6th, a total of nine dispersal notices were issued by officers in the town centre area, which meant all those involved in antisocial behaviour were told to leave the area. If they returned during the notice period, they could be arrested.

Officers are liaising with the shopping centre with a view to improving security, CCTV coverage and lighting in the near future.

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Tannis Perks told BOB fm: "I have now been in post for a year and during this time have seen some fantastic partnership work which has achieved a reduction in anti-social behaviour, making both Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield a more safe and enjoyable place to live and work.

"However I am disappointed that we have seen a recent increase in anti-social behaviour in Welwyn Garden City town centre over the past few weeks, particularly in the area near to McDonald's, which involves a small minority of young people.

"Anti-social behaviour has a hugely detrimental effect on those living and working nearby therefore tackling this issue remains a priority for us.

"We have just welcomed a new Safer Neighbourhood Inspector, Wayne Nash, and he will continue the work already started to target those hotspot areas.

"Officers have been patrolling these locations using a variety of tools to combat the problem".

CI Perks continued: "We are also working closely with the Community Safety Partnership, in particular Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, to explore diversionary activities, signpost families to support services where required and liaise with businesses to provide crime prevention advice.

"My team will continue to do all in their power to crackdown on anti-social behaviour however I would like to appeal to the parents and carers of those who are causing these issues.

"I would urge you to speak to your sons and daughters and reiterate the message that this behaviour is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated."