Complaints by residents about syringes being dumped in alleys and back gardens have led to a police crackdown.

Various empty and full syringes with and without needles have been found discarded in Shrubsole Avenue, Sheerness, over the past few weeks.

Two residents have called for action in case a child picks up the needles. The offending items have been handed to the police station.

One resident, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals, said: “Four needles were chucked over the fence and into my back garden. I’m 63 and don’t have children but there are many people with kids.

“It doesn’t bear thinking about what would happen if they picked up a syringe with a needle still in it."

Another resident said he had found disturbing pornographic images near the dumped syringes.

Island Neighbourhood Insp David Applegate said: “The thoughtless discarding of syringes is a great concern to police as quite clearly they can cause serious injury or disease if picked up and mishandled."

He promised the neighbourhood policing team will pay particular attention to the area.

* Residents who find syringes should report it to Swale Council online or by calling the council's customer service centre on 01795 417850.

Full story in this week's Times Guardian