A TEAM of Northumbria Police officers will use their expertise to combat anti-social behaviour and youth disorder.

The ten officers, comprising detectives and uniformed officers as well as a licensing officer, will combine their skills to catch those who make life a misery for others.

Anti-social behaviour plagues the lives of many residents and quite often alcohol plays a large part in offenders' behaviour.

The Disorder Reduction Team, one of the first of its kind, has been set up at South Tyneside area command.

The unit will use intelligence as well as other methods to build up evidence to obtain Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos). The area command currently has four Asbos.

Chief Inspector Nick Eley, responsible for establishing the team, said: "This is not just another crime team, but is specifically aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour.

"We want a much more comprehensive approach to tackle this issue and by mixing uniformed officers with detectives and a licensing officer, we hope to achieve this.

"Youth disorder is not just a local problem, it is undoubtedly a major problem affecting the quality of lives of many people. This unit is a solution, using not only enforcement but education as well, to improve the quality of life locally."

The team will work from offices in Boldon and starts this week.