POLICE are stepping up night patrols in a former pit village to crack down on rowdy youngsters.

They have received complaints in recent weeks from people in Coxhoe, County Durham, about gangs of up to 30 youths who congregate in Front Street.

Police said the youngsters were rowdy, drunk and intimidating to passers-by and have carried out vandalism, including damaging fences and bus shelters. Police said the problems were between 6pm and midnight.

Officers believed the problems were made worse by teenage boys and girls from outside the area coming into the village.

Patrols of regular officers and community safety officers will seize and confiscate alcohol from under-18s and send warning letters to misbehaving youngsters.

Coxhoe beat officer PC Mark Ogilvy said: "Following a number of complaints concerning anti-social behaviour, we are stepping up patrols on Friday and Saturday nights.

"Both regular police and community safety officers will be providing a visible presence and we will take firm action against anyone committing an offence."

Police and other agencies have already started a new-style initiative against anti-social behaviour by youngsters in Brandon.

The initiative, which involves talking to youngsters to find out what issues they face, led to a 70 per cent fall in calls about misbehaviour in the first week.