A POLICE initiative to slash rates of anti-social behaviour in Darlington has managed to reduce complaints from residents of one estate in two months.

The anti-social behaviour unit in Darlington was set up by police after a successful bid for Government funding earlier this year.

Using a computerised database which analyses crime patterns and can identify hotspots, police are targeting areas of Darlington which are worse for anti-social behaviour.

Over the past two months, Sergeant Dave Kirton has worked with beat officers, uniformed wardens and police community support officers from the Skerne Park area.

Taking a gentle approach, police dress in plain clothes and gradually get to know the youngsters who hang around in the anti-social behaviour hotspots.

"It was difficult at first because they just blanked us," said Sgt Kirton.

"But curiosity gets the better of them. After we had a kick around and started organising games of football, they really took an interest. Now when we go to the estate they are straight over to us."

Names of anyone found drinking or loitering in a hotspot are put on a database for future reference. Police have collected 300 names on the database in seven weeks in Skerne Park.

Alcohol is confiscated - often just poured down the nearest drain in full sight of the offenders.

Police operate on a "three-strikes" scheme. The first letter informs parents their children have been caught drinking or trespassing.

A second letter includes a leaflet offering advice for parents.

The third time the youngsters are caught misbehaving they enter the criminal justice system, where they might be made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) or an acceptable behaviour contract.

Officers have sent out 55 first letters and only three second letters. They have also visited homes of people who make persistent complaints.

Sgt Kirton said: "Some of them had good reason to complain, but some were just complaining about the kids playing football, even when they weren't doing any harm.

"It goes both ways - we have helped reduce complaints by teaching people a bit of tolerance."

Police are taking a more heavy-handed approach with adult offenders, using the law and the criminal justice system more often.

The unit is expected to move on to the Lascelles area next, targeting youngsters and some adults there.