Police crackdown on problem yobs

Police have kicked out youngsters who are suspected of causing trouble in a Wearside community.

There have been problems with anti-social behaviour over the past few months in Houghton, with buses even being diverted away from the town centre due to missiles being thrown at them.

Officers from Northumbria Police have said they will step up patrols over this weekend to tackle the problems.

At a Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting on Friday night, the force told residents that they have issued nine dispersal notices and nine anti-social behaviour (ASB) forms.

Two bikes have also been taken from those suspected of taking part in anti-social behaviour

A spokesman for the force said: “Police were at a well-attended PACT com- munity meeting at Houghton Cricket Club.

“Officers have issued nine dispersal notices and nine ASB forms and seized two bikes from those suspected of taking part in ASB.

“All those issued with a dispersal notice must not return to Houghton within the next 48 hours or face arrest.

“All those issued with ASB forms will received a home visit and social services will be notified of their actions.

“Police are also working with partners, including the local authority and Gentoo housing.

“Officers will also be going into local schools next week to speak to students about ASB.

“This policing response will continue while the problem is ongoing.”

Anyone with information about those causing problems should contact police on 101.