A group of teenagers coughed all over supermarket shoppers and threatened to give them coronavirus, police say.
The shocking incident took place outside Morrisons supermarket in Verwood, Dorset, where a group of youths had gathered outside to apparently harass customers.
Officers were called in to disperse the thugs, who were upsetting customers.
The three youths, who were aged around 14, are also said to have verbally abused anyone who challenged them.
A witnessed added: "There are three boys that look about 14-years-old in the square, spitting on the ground, sitting on a bench together, smoking and taking it in turns on a bike that they keep swerving in front of people.
A similar incident was also reported in nearby Wimborne, where a youth where spotted spitting at passers by in the town square.
"A brave man has already asked them to stop but they have laughed in his face and continued spitting at him.
"I appreciate that they are not mature enough to understand the seriousness of the situation but please keep your children at home."
Meanwhile, traffic police in Christchurch have published a list of excuses given by members of the public trying to explain why they are not at home.
One culprit told police: "We are just tidying our beach hut as exercise" while another claimed "I need to paint my beach hut".
There was also a motorcyclist who said he was out filling up his bike with fuel - but later admitted he had travelled five miles to a coastal beauty spot to do so.
Police even encountered an angler who told officers 'I am out for Health and Safety reasons, to check on the sea for fishing tomorrow'.
Following the incidents, a spokesman for Dorset Police has urged parents to keep their children at home to prevent further incidents.
They said: "We were disappointed with a small number of youths causing issues in the Verwood area over the past few nights.
"We have taken reports of groups of youths coughing at staff and shoppers at Morrisons store and telling people they will give them the coronavirus.
"We are appalled at this very immature behaviour and will be dealing robustly with anyone acting in this way.
"Section 35 dispersal powers were used on the youths ordering them to leave the area.
"Parents, please ensure you know where your children are."
Police in Bournemouth also had to move a group of males from the beach on Wednesday evening because they were intending to have a barbecue.
