Traders fear people will be put off going to a high street after several reports of anti-social behaviour including shoplifting, assault and smashed windows.

Shopkeepers in Sittingbourne say the problem is getting out of control after one of the latest incidents saw a group of yobs using water guns in Greggs.

Police say an increase in use of the toys, which often resemble real weapons, could force them to issue more dispersal orders.

Sgt Ryan Chase, of the Swale Community Safety Unit, said: “Anyone choosing to use water guns should ensure they are not causing alarm or upset to others.

“It is a criminal offence to cause public distress with imitation firearms, so water guns resembling viable weapons must only be used on private property and not in the public domain.

“If needs be, dispersal orders will be put in place to give officers more power to tackle anti-social behaviour and move groups on who continue to cause a nuisance.”

The boss of Swell Cafe in the High Street, Recet Gucluer, says anti-social behaviour in general is becoming more concerning.

He said: “I recently had my window broken and whoever did it managed to really crack it.

“I know some businesses near me complained as well at the time about people trying to do the same.

“There are also some drunk people coming out of the pubs nearby as well who, after 5pm, can cause trouble.”

A number of dispersal orders have been issued in the town centre this year, including during consecutive weekends last month.

Jeanette Elliott, of Elliott Kitchen and Bathrooms, fears constant trouble will mean fewer customers choosing to visit the town centre.

She said: “I am concerned about this.

“I don’t want people being put off coming into the high street.

“All I see online is reports of something bad happening every time I look, so getting less footfall is something which worries me.

“I know a lot of them are kids and it’s coming up to the holidays, but it’s still not acceptable to fire water pistols and cause disruption."

Last month, Vishal Wadhwa – who runs Trader Counter, which replaced the former Burton's shop in March – described teenagers hanging around his business as "intimidating" and making customers feel "uncomfortable".

Meanwhile TJ’s E-Cigarettes has been forced to put in new measures to protect the store from shoplifting.

The manager, Ellie Warwick, said installing magnetic locks on doors, panic alarms and imposing a strict challenge 25 policy were some of the measures taken to counter "threats" made to her establishment.