Campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour 'misery'

Cleveland Police will be in the Netherfields area of Middlesbrough after reports of crime and anti-social behaviour

A week-long campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour in parts of Middlesbrough is under way.

It follows weeks of crime and youth disorder in the Netherfields area, particularly around Vaughan Shops.

One report included an 11-year-old boy who threw a rock at a car in Fosdyke Green, smashing the window and narrowly missing an elderly couple, Cleveland Police said.

Insp Chris Hartshorne said reports had decreased but officers would continue to tackle "unacceptable behaviour" causing "misery" to local communities.

From Monday, police, Middlesbrough Council, housing and youth service teams will be based in the Netherfields area, to speak with residents.

The boy who threw the rock was interviewed by police voluntarily and will be issued with an anti-social behaviour contract for six months, police said.

A number of dispersal orders have also been put in place in the area in recent weeks.

Police said 25 youths were ordered to the leave under the powers, while another 20 left after being asked by officers.

An engagement van will be in place in the Netherfields area from Monday, staffed by police, the council and youth service teams

Marion Walker, head of stronger communities at Middlesbrough Council, said: “Alongside our colleagues at Cleveland Police, we’ve worked hard to respond to serious issues reported in Netherfields and our officers have visited the parents of youths who we’ve identified as being involved.

“These families need to understand that this behaviour is unacceptable, and we won’t tolerate it."

Housing provider Thirteen Group also issued first warnings to tenants who had children who had been involved in the anti-social behaviour.

They were told if it continued or escalated, enforcement action could be taken, which included possession of the property.