POLICE are appealing for villagers to help fight anti-social behaviour by identifying youths who have been disturbing the community and endangering the lives of motorists.

Complaints to the police about gangs of young people congregating in the centre of West Auckland and causing a nuisance have risen sharply since the New Year.

PC Andy Hucker, beat officer for St Helen Auckland and West Auckland, said many residents have voiced their concerns at public meetings.

He said: "People of all denominations are feeling threatened and intimidated by large groups of youths while going about their normal business.

"Often they do not even feel safe nipping to the local shop or to visit a neighbour.

"Another problem is the activity of throwing missiles at moving vehicles travelling through West Auckland.

"This started as snowballs containing rocks in the winter, but now they are slinging mud and gravel at cars, which is mindless and dangerous."

PC Hucker is urging residents to name the youths causing the disturbances and for parents or guardians of children to ensure they know where they are and what they are doing.

He said: "If we know who is causing the problems we can speak with parents or guardians and work together to re-educate them and form a resolution to these problems."

Anyone with information can call PC Hucker, PC Bill Lavery or Sergeant Jayne Kelly on (01388) 603566.