Move to cut anti-social behaviour in Stockton

Police in Stockton have been given additional powers to deal with anti-social behaviour.

A three-month dispersal order has been secured for the Hardwick area.

Anyone in groups of two or more can be asked to leave the area if police believe their presence is likely to cause intimidation, alarm or distress.

If they refuse to go when asked, or return within the time that they have been told to stay away, police could then arrest them.

Sgt Paul McDonnell, from the Hardwick Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This dispersal order responds to what local people have told us, and will help us to improve the area [where] they live.

"We will use the powers available to us to deal firmly with those individuals who feel they can continue to cause problems for residents on the estate."