POLICE in Newton Aycliffe are launching a fresh crackdown on anti-social behaviour from youngsters ahead of the summer holidays.

Beat officers in the town centre, Woodham and the Shafto St Mary's areas are leading the initiative following an increase in complaints from residents and businesses.

Operation Slocum aims to cut vandalism, public disturbance, underage drinking and unauthorised riding of motorbikes on public land.

Police have received complaints about gangs of 50 or 60 teenagers hanging around the streets.

Acting Sergeant Simon Rogers, Woodham beat officer, said: "That can be intimidating to passers-by. We want the young people to be aware of how their actions make other people feel."

A number of small fires have been started in the Woodham Burn area, near grassland and woodland which is an important wildlife habitat.

And the town continues to suffer from nuisance bikers of all ages riding quad bikes and motorcycles off-road.

There have also been rising levels of disorderly behaviour around the town centre, where a similar operation over the festive period was hailed as a success.

Teenagers are hanging around outside off-licences, asking shoppers to buy alcohol for them, but a strong Off-Licence Watch scheme is helping to combat that problem.

The empty Somerfield store has become a trouble hotspot since closing last month, with youngsters climbing on the roof.

PC Helen Young said: "We want to identify the kids that are involved in this behaviour and try to discourage them, for their good and that of the town.

"We work with the Sedgefield Anti-Social Behaviour Panel and have a range of options.

"We talk to their families and ask why they do it, try to redirect their energy into sport or social projects and, ultimately, could look at acceptable behaviour contracts."

The operation will increase in vigour over the coming months and through school breaks at Whit and summer.

Officers will increase foot patrols around trouble hotspots, hoping that increased visibility will discourage offending and help make residents and visitors feel safer.