POLICE say they have upped their patrols in Warndon Villages after receiving an increase in reports of teenagers smoking cannabis.

PCSO David Anderson said “a lot of kids” have been smoking the drug in the newly refurbished play area in Trotshill Field and has encouraged residents to report any incidents to 101.

“There was an incident at the new park in Trotshill, so we are actively patrolling that park,” he said. “We are up there quite often, which is surprising quite a lot of the members of the public. Not that we’re on the swings.”

The officer, who was speaking at a Warndon Parish Council meeting on Monday, said he had been made aware of an apparent incident posted about on Facebook, which wasn’t then reported to police.

“I can understand why they didn’t but at the same time, I wish they had because all it needs is for us to catch even one or two of them and the message should filter through,” he said. “That’s what we are looking for.”

Council chairman Andrew Cross asked the PCSO whether he thinks “there’s a greater amount” of cannabis in Warndon Villages.

“It seems almost everyday when you are out and about, there’s an awful lot of green going on in this area. It’s really strong smelling some of it,” he said.

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PCSO Anderson said: “Number one, it’s illegal and it shouldn’t be done. I can’t stand the smell of it, it’s horrible. I tend to, when I smell it, become like a little blood hound and follow the smell. If I get to the bottom of it, I deal with it.”

He said when reporting any occurrences to police, “if you have a rough idea where it’s coming from, then we can take it from there and find out”.

On a similar note, Councillor Dawn Merriman said she “collected what must have been a hundred” nitrous oxide cartridges and packaging from the car park opposite the Lyppard Hub, where the council meets.

PCSO Anderson agreed “it’s happening quite regularly” and said he would speak to colleagues about patrolling.