DOZENS of youths have been given a stern warning by Darlington Police as part of a crackdown on vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

A team of Special Constables and Neighbourhood Wardens launched Operation Wilmington in the run-up to Bonfire Night to tackle a number of problems, including under-age drinking, setting off of fireworks, vandalism and car crime.

Darlington Special Constabulary has just released the results of the operation.

Divisional Officer Dave Dean said: "At this time of year, the quality of life for so many people is adversely affected by youths, who have often been drinking and are letting off fireworks or causing general nuisance.

"Wilmington tackled this problem by taking a pro-active, intelligence-led approach."

Officers used local information to plan the operation and further intelligence was gathered during the three-week crackdown, allowing all officers and wardens to be fully briefed when they went out on patrol.

Areas with particular problems were targeted by further specially organised patrols, during the operation between October 22 and November 10.

Teams worked in uniform and plain clothes, both on foot and in patrol vehicles, and on some occasions up to 12 extra officers were on duty each night.

They visited shops and reminded shopkeepers of their legal responsibilities to ensure that fireworks and alcohol were not sold to under-age customers.

They also dealt with incidents including youths causing annoyance, under-age drinking on the street, and setting off fireworks. A number of bottles of alcohol were confiscated.

Divisional Officer Dean said: "During the operation, between 100 and 200 youths were spoken to.

"Quality of life issues are something that Durham Constabulary takes seriously and this is a further demonstration of that commitment."

Chief Inspector Barry Knevitt, operations manager at Darlington Police, said: "This is an excellent example of the variety of work undertaken by the Special Constabulary.

"Its members provide invaluable assistance to the police service and I am extremely grateful for their support and enthusiasm."