POLICE are warning caravan owners in Ongar following a number of reports that youngsters are using them as "drinking dens".

In the last two weeks two residents in Coopers Hill have checked caravans parked in their gardens and found evidence of drinking and smoking. In the latest incident last Saturday the floor of a caravan was left covered in vodka.

Crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said: "It looks like youngsters are using these caravans for drinking dens. People should lock their caravans up."