Estate residents living in fear

New measures are being used by police to halt anti-social behaviour

Police are targeting gangs of youths who are making life difficult for residents living on a Teesside estate.

Most people living in the Loftus Road, Saltburn Road and Eston Close areas of Thornaby are afraid to go out at night as anti-social behaviour has soared in the area.

The ground around the nearby Mandale Community Centre is scorched by fires set alight every night by youths roaming the streets.

But Cleveland Police have promised to stop those responsible.

Inspector Ian Coates, head of policing at Thornaby, said: "There are a number of deliberate fires being lit.

"There have been cases where private security guards have come under verbal and physical abuse, and the behaviour is at upper limit of what I would call anti-social behaviour."

Unacceptable behaviour

He said the problem had escalated over the winter and there had been increase in problems recently as youths gather in Loftus Road and Saltburn Road.

Mr Coates said: "There are a lot of houses unoccupied and I believe some of the youths think it is open season and we are sending out a strong message that it isn't."

One measure being used is to identify the culprits and make them sign an unacceptable behaviour contract which contains evidence on a case.

It outlines the types of behaviour which the youth is being asked not to do and if they breach the contract, the next step could be an anti-social behaviour order.