POLICE have launched an operation to combat the growing problem of badly-behaved youths.

Operation Lottie aims to tackle underage drinking, petty vandalism and rowdy behaviour.

High-visibility police patrols will target hot spots in conjunction with Sedgefield Borough Council's Community Force.

The action, which includes Newton Aycliffe, Ferryhill, Shildon and Spennymoor, will initially concentrate on summer evenings, but patrols will go out during the day in the school holidays.

Local licensees are to be contacted to enlist their support in refusing to sell alcohol to those who are not old enough. And test purchases will be considered if the problem persists.

Criminal acts will be dealt with in the normal fashion. For those whose behaviour falls short of criminal but remains unacceptable, officers will take details and issue a verbal warning.

If the same individual comes to the notice of the police again, their parents will be contacted.

Further transgressions will see the young person and their parents invited to the police station to discuss their behaviour.

Co-ordinator Sgt Dave Wilkes said: "We don't want to tar all young people with the same brush. It should be said we are talking of a relatively small number who misbehave."

"But their actions are a real nuisance and can cause a lot of distress and alarm.

"We want to make it clear this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."