GANGS of drunken youths responsible for a wave of crime and anti-social behaviour in the Langbaurgh district are being targeted by police in a new initiative.

Operation Defiant has been set up by Cleveland Police to tackle under-age drinking, suspected drug dealing and noise pollution in Eston, Grangetown and South Bank.

Officers say anti-social behaviour caused by underage drinking is a "serious problem" in the district, with criminal damage accounting for a third of all crime.

In an attempt to stop the sale of alcohol to those under 18, warning leaflets will be distributed to all off-licences and police will work closely with trading standards to monitor premises believed to be flouting the law. Those selling drink to children will have their licences revoked.

Other measures will include on-the-spot searches of youths believed to be carrying alcohol and anti-social behaviour contracts for children causing disruption in the area.

Inspector Jason Dickson, who is heading the operation, said parents would be informed of their children's behaviour.

"Anti-social behaviour is arguably the number one area of concern for local communities. It takes many forms and affects people at different levels, particularly the elderly.

"This operation will target those committing such nuisance offences, which affect the quality of life of the people in this area.

"Along with targeting problems of under-age drinking we will be clamping down on the illegal use of off-road motorcycles, the disruption and noise caused by taxis on weekends, and targeting those suspected of dealing drugs."

The operation began on Friday, February 7, and so far there have been six arrests, four for public order offences and two for criminal damage. Thirty four police searches have been carried out with 60 cans of lager and ten litres of wine seized and destroyed. Thirty eight anti-social behaviour contracts have been drawn up.

"We have already achieved some great results," said Insp Dickson. "I will be carrying out similar enforcements over the coming weeks to ensure the people of this area can go about their daily lives in a safe environment."

Councillor Dave McLuckie, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's lead member for community safety, said: "This sends out a determined message that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and the misery that it brings to the community."