New bid to tackle nuisance youths

The town's police and Darlington Borough Council's uniformed wardens are carrying out a joint operation to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Operation Buchanan is launched today after a number of complaints about young people causing criminal damage, disturbances and drinking under-age.

The police have identified problem areas in the town, which are to be targeted by uniformed officers.

Groups of youths causing problems or drinking alcohol will be taken home or arrested, depending on the severity of their behaviour.

In recent months, there have been reports of youths indulging in anti-social behaviour in Middleton-St-George and Cockerton.

Councillor Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services, said: "Our message to parents is 'Do you know where your children are? If you don't, we do and we'll be bringing them back home in a police car'.

"Young people have rights, but they also have responsibilities, and this operation is about protecting the whole community. The council is fully committed to supporting the police in delivering social peace keeping for all."

The council's warden service and the Darlington Youth Partnership will be supporting the police by looking at ways to redirect young people's activities.

They will be carrying out high visiblity patrols around the schools, parks and open spaces in the borough.

Acting Inspector Ian Martin, coordinator of Operation Buchanan, said: "The number of complaints that Darlington police are receiving regarding youths causing annoyance is on the increase.

"Historically, the worst periods for these complaints are during the school holidays. We are going to target hot- spots where youths are causing annoyance. This will highlight the fact that Durham Constabulary will not tolerate this kind of anti-social behaviour.

"I want to be clear that whether it is adults or young people causing problems, we are going to deal with it."