Detective Inspector Adie Knowles has spoken out about a recent spate of youth anti-social behaviour and other crime in Lancaster city centre.
Det Insp Knowles from Lancaster Police said youths as young as 12 were "causing massive issues" after reports of several incidents at shops and bars over the past few weeks.
Speaking on his regular 'Beyond the Beat' segment on Beyond Radio on Tuesday, he said police were "going to put our foot down and try to stop it".
His comments came after All Hopes No Promises bar on Market Street posted CCTV footage showing two boys running out of the bar with the staff's tips jar, last Wednesday.
Youths also kicked over street furniture outside Mio Gelato and Journey Social cafe on New Street on the same day; a staff member at Tabletop Republic adventure gaming shop on Damside Street was verbally abused and spat on by youths last Wednesday evening; and Big Lakes Tattoo at Sir Simons Arcade was vandalised and three youths attempted to break in last month.
All Hopes No Promises in Lancaster
LISTEN to Detective Inspector Adie Knowles
"It is causing massive issues," said Det Insp Knowles.
"Local businesses don't want to put up with that kind of issue and when people are going about their lawful business, enjoying the city centre, they don't want to have to encounter that kind of behaviour.
"The Neighbourhood Policing Team covering the city centre, stopping this kind of thing is their main priority, day in, day out."
He also said the police's Operation Sustain "specifically targets this issue".
Det Insp Knowles also defended the use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) to try to stop youths from committing further crimes.
Several people commenting on Beyond Radio social media had questioned whether measures were "too soft".
This came after police said 26 young people had been "spoken to" and ABCs - voluntary written agreements signed by an individual committing anti-social behaviour where they agree to abide by the terms specified - were issued to youths.
"Do they have any teeth, are they worth doing?" said Det Insp Knowles.
"Viable questions to ask, by people who are witnessing this kind of behaviour.
"We have to show a staged approach. Some of these kids involved in this behaviour are as young as 12, 13.
"First thing I would say is, where are the parents? What are you doing about your 12 or 13 year old, who are out in Lancaster city centre, committing crime and anti-social behaviour? We should hold them much more accountable than we do. That's probably something that we could step up.
"The justice system expects us, when you deal with a juvenile, to show a staged approach. We can't just go from A to Z straightaway with a juvenile and we're going to put them in prison.
Lancaster city centre
"It's legislation under the Anti Social Behaviour Act. There are various powers we can use to try to stop that kind of behaviour.
"That's where you start. You've been doing this in Lancaster city centre? You're going to sign up to these conditions, to not go out at this time of night...try to get parents on board to try to enforce it.
"And if they don't, they breach it and go and commit further offences...arrests are still an option. If we get to the point that we've tried everything else. (There are) various options but we've got to start somewhere.
"Sometimes it can be just as frustrating for us as it can be for members of the public who have to put up with this kind of behaviour."
Det Insp Knowles said his messages to the public were: "If you see any of this kind of behaviour, tell us.
"Secondly, there is a dedicated operation to try to tackle this issue. It certainly is a priority. We want to keep Lancaster as safe as we can and as enjoyable as we can.
"Like anything that we deal with, we don't get anywhere unless people tell us exactly what they see, who's doing it, when they're doing it, and how they're doing it.
"Kids running amok, causing problems, stealing stuff. No, we're not having it, and we're going to put our foot down and try to stop it."
You can report crimes in progress by calling 999.
If you have information for police, please call 101, or you can contact the confidential freephone Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.
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