Police in Rochford have used new powers to deal with teenage tearaways 14 times since they were introduced little more than a week ago.
Officers can now break up groups of more than two youths if they believe they may cause trouble.
They can also take home anyone under 16 who is not accompanied by an adult, between 9pm and 6am.
The first arrest under the new powers, which came into effect on July 16, was made last Saturday.
It came when a 17-year-old from Rawreth refused to move from Rayleigh High Street.
Police have made 13 other dispersal directions.
Acting Inspector Kevin Diable-White of Rayleigh police said: "Within the first two or three weeks of the powers being introduced in Canvey, the amount of youth disorder went down.
"Criminal damage went down by 50 per cent.
"We will have to wait for a few weeks to see if our figures show a similar pattern."
Published Wednesday July 28, 2004
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