Patrols targeting street drinkers

Young street drinkers are being targeted by police on Teesside, after residents said they were "fed up" with mounting anti-social behaviour.

Patrols are being stepped up in Billingham after reports of large gangs of drunken youths causing disorder.

Officers will focus on trouble hotspots, including the area near the Forum theatre, Wolviston Back Lane and St Columbus Avenue.

Random visits to shops and pubs in the area are also planned.

Test purchase operations have been carried out over the last week and are continuing to target anyone selling alcohol to under 18s.

'Appalling behaviour'

Sgt Marc Anderson of Cleveland Police, said: "Many people living in Billingham are fed up with the noise, litter and damage caused by under-age drinkers loitering in residential areas.

"Officers will be targeting areas where youths are known to hang around and drink.

"Alcohol will be seized from under-18s, and letters will be sent home to parents, followed by a visit from the police.

"I want to warn parents to make sure that they know the whereabouts of their children at evenings and weekends.

"The behaviour of these children is appalling. They are making the lives of residents in areas of Billingham a misery."