POLICE in Darlington are warning rowdy youths to "expect arrests" this weekend as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Officers will be scouring known hotspots across the town this evening and tomorrow night and warning gangs of youths causing problems to curb their behaviour.

Inspector Sue Collingwood, one of Darlington's two community inspectors, said: "People can expect arrests in relation to this.

"If youths are behaving and acting responsibly there won't be a problem. I'm not wanting to criminalise decent kids who are just out with their friends.

"But kids who are being abusive, drunk or acting in an anti-social way can expect to be reported for offences or arrested."

Last weekend, officers arrested a 14-year-old boy in Middleton St George for being drunk and incapable.

Inspector Collingwood said: "He was so affected by alcohol he had to be arrested. If he is unable to protect himself we have a duty to protect him.

"He was only 14, which shows the age we are talking about with some of these kids, and he was from Darlington but had gone to Middleton St George.

"Most of the kids we are dealing with are travelling across town to be with their friends and they perhaps don't realise the impact they have on the community they arrive at.

"We would rather they were closer to home so at least their parents might have more idea of what they are doing."

Insp Collingwood said officers would also be clamping down on off-licences selling alcohol to those under age or adults buying alcohol for them.

"Adults need to be aware of the implications of what they are doing," she said. "We will take action when necessary."

Insp Collingwood stressed that schools and youth services were working hard with police to tackle the town's anti-social behaviour problem.

"We will be carrying out a series of operations in coming weeks to try to reduce the problem. This is something that is very important to us and we urge people to let us know about problems near their home."

Any incidents of anti-social behaviour can be reported to police on (01325) 467681.