A gang of masked teenage thieves who “just want to cause chaos” has been terrorising traders on a shopping parade in London Colney.

Recent reports have described how the group of 13, 14 and 15-year-olds gather in the evenings outside the Co-op store on Haseldine Road before bursting into the shop and snatching items off the shelves.

They have also been targeting an off-licence at the other end of the street, stealing confectionary and frightening staff with their aggressive and brazen behaviour.

The owner of that shop became so desperate that he attended a meeting of London Colney Parish Council to plead for help in dealing with the troublesome teens.

“His life had become a nightmare. They’ve been going into the shops with masks on, stealing goods,” said council chairman Malcolm MacMillan.

The man tried curbing the harmful behaviour by only allowing two children in his store at a time but according to Cllr MacMillan, the youths just barged their way in to continue their thieving spree.

Staff at the two shops have become so terrified that they are scared to go home for fear of being attacked by the gang, who often carry weapons when carrying out their raids.

Police patrols have been stepped up in response to the gang’s activities, a measure which Cllr MacMillan believes has helped to curb their disruptive behaviour.

He added: “The PCSOs are wonderful and they do all they can but they need reinforcements for something like this.

“Extra police have now appeared and that has helped diminish the problem slightly.”

He said the council were also seeking to draft in youth workers to deal with the root causes of the anti-social behaviour.

“We hope being proactive might work. We want to know why these young people are so disenfranchised,” he said.

“But some it won’t work with – some just want to cause chaos.”

The council has agreed to dedicate £500 from its own coffers to part-fund an upgrade of CCTV cameras at Haseldine Road and White Horse Lane.

Inspector Adam Such, from the Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Officers are aware of issues of anti-social behaviour at shops in Haseldine Road, and are currently working with the local authority and businesses to tackle the issues and come to a long-term solution.

“Several Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been issued and local PCSOs continue to work closely with those involved and their families. This has resulted in a number of individuals apologising to the businesses concerned.

“Antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and we will always seek to take action against offenders.

“I would urge the public to always report antisocial behaviour to the police by calling the non-emergency number 101 so that we can take the appropriate action. If a crime is in action or there is an immediate risk to life or property, always dial 999.”