POLICE have promised to come down hard on teenage gangs who steal mobile phones off youngsters.

Detective Inspector Paul Diggle called a press conference on Monday to explain how they will tackle the problem which has left many youngsters afraid to go into High Wycombe town centre.

He said: "This problem must be addressed. We are not willing to allow a situation where teenagers cannot walk through the town centre because of these bullies.

"What the gangs do not realise is that this crime is taken very seriously. They could be charged with robbery and end up with a criminal record."

Police have stepped up uniformed police patrols in problem areas in the town centre and on The Rye and are carrying out a plainclothes operation.

Det Insp Diggle, of High Wycombe CID also warned victims that waving a mobile phone around was like 'waving £100 in the air'. He said that if they are confronted by gangs who ask for their mobiles they should say no and shout for help.

He said: "What we need to do is get the message across to victims, that it must be reported to the police because it is not acceptable behaviour."

One teenage victim, who did not want to be named, said: "I have been robbed about 15 times within the space of a few months. You just don't feel safe going into town anymore."

The gangs have been approaching youngsters in recent weeks and asking to look at their mobile phone or asking for a cigarette and then robbing the victims.

Leaflets on how to protect your mobile phone are available from High Wycombe Police Station front desk, in Queen Victoria Street, High Wycombe.