WE carry stories in today’s Advertiser that are alarming, but sad to say not surprising.

And at their heart is that all too common 21st century buzz-phrase anti-social behaviour, a modern disease that raises its ugly head on an almost daily basis in this town – and, as we report today, in another nearby generally associated with peace and goodwill – and seems to spread unchecked, leaving a trail of vandalism, threat and abuse.

We report on young men using the car park at the new Regent Circus development as some sort of arena for driving their cars noisily and recklessly.

A temporary dispersal order was issued in parts of the east of Swindon at the weekend as a large group of youths were causing significant problems, including riding motorbikes at speed on pavements and grass verges.

And a similar order was in place in Royal Wootton Bassett, which has seen an increase in anti-social behaviour.

It is heartening to see the police taking this issue very seriously and they work closely with the local authority as they attempt to stamp it out.

But that is something that is becoming increasingly difficult as this form of outrageous behaviour stubbornly refuses to go away, making life a misery for people living nearby.

Police do need help in their efforts. They need you to give them any information which will help prosecute these thugs. And they need the courts to issue sentences that are more than just a slap on the wrist.

And while this war on anti-social behaviour goes on, perhaps someone, somewhere can tell us why it takes place, and if it is at all possible to eradicate it.