AN anti-social behaviour unit in the North-East has been hailed a success in its fight against nuisance behaviour.
The unit, in Newcastle, working with its partners, has investigated about 500 reports of low-level anti-social behaviour since November last year.
Since January, 471 intervention letters have been issued, following reports through housing offices and community beat managers of anti-social behaviour, including rowdy groups of youths misusing alcohol.
Of these, 98 needed a formal first warning, 18 had a second warning and only four reached the stage of a formal Anti-Social Behaviour Order through the courts.
The use of acceptable behaviour agreements, a voluntary written agreement between young people, their parents and the agencies in the unit, are also proving to be particularly successful.
John Lee, chief executive of Your Homes Newcastle, said: "It is still early days for the unit, but there is already clear evidence that what we are doing is making a difference and contributing to making communities better places to live."
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