CONTRACTS between police and youngsters to prevent anti-social behaviour are being hailed a success.

Acceptable Behaviour Agreements (ABAs) have been introduced in South Tyneside to solve nuisance problems.

Following their success in other areas, they are being used as an interim measure before resorting to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.

Working in conjunction with South Tyneside Council, police ask offenders to sign up to ABAs, gaining a commitment to better behaviour.

Now, Northumbria Police are thinking of introducing the scheme elsewhere.

Inspector Phil Kay, of South Tyneside area command, said: "ABAs are not legally binding, but if the youths break them, they will face the courts and the possibility of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order."

The scheme is being piloted in South Tyneside and two successful agreements are in place in Hebburn