Antisocial behaviour has become a byword for lots of little things that get on our nerves.

Vandalism, drunken yobbery and general mischief-making.

As Blackbird Leys parish councillor Brian Lester pointed out: “Sometimes it is just youngsters letting off steam.”

But, for too many neighbourhoods, it can be a true nightmare.

Kept awake late at night and lumbered with annoying repair bills, communities should not have to put up with it.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O’Connor suggested in a report yesterday that, despite high levels of concern about the problem, antisocial behaviour does not have the same standing in police officers’ minds as ‘real’ crime.

But today we hear Thames Valley Police believe they have the problem under control.

Really?

We would suggest community concern about these incidents – like youths gathering on street corners – is still high.