Punch-ups and beatings have risen by 60%, and criminal damage by 20% across the local police area, since the police decided to re-jig town centre patrols and move Sergeant Shane Cooke to Hungerford.

Newbury had been promised an improved service during a shake-up of town centre policing, including high profile patrols overnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

But newbury.net understands that the operation has struggled to make an impact, while the Mill Lane police cells are refurbished. This means that all those arrested are taken to Lower Earley for detention, which is keeping police off the streets for longer.

On recent weekends, teenage beggars have been haranguing people for change and cigarettes in Northbrook Street and The Arcade, while several shops and takeaways have had their windows smashed. Last weekend, staff at Caffe Nero found a vagrant asleep in the premises, after apparently leaving the door unlocked.

Sgt Cooke has been off sick since June, but police have claimed success by making 25 arrests across West Berkshire for stealing milk or anti-social behaviour.

Police spokesman Geoff Smith said: “I ask the community of West Berkshire to contribute to the success of Operation Footprint by reporting any incidents of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, and also by helping to reduce burglaries in the area by keeping your windows and doors secure throughout the summer period.”