Police have hailed as a success a crackdown on the gangs of loitering youths who have terrorised residents for months.

Three constables and three specials swooped on groups of up to 20 teenagers in a series of high visibility patrols along Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays.

A spokesman for Thurrock police said: "Although this resulted in no arrests, a number of alcohol seizures were conducted and personal details obtained.

"The groups were moved on from the residential areas and dispersed."

The block's tenants claim the youths have been boozing, swearing, smoking drugs and using pensioners' windows as goals in soccer games.

Last week, ward councillor Gerard Rice delivered a residents' petition that begged Thurrock Council to tackle the anti-social behaviour on their doorstep.

Officers plan to keep up the pressure on the unruly youngsters and take special action against the ringleaders.

The police spokesman said: "The operation is claimed as a success with the amount of intelligence gained. More concentration will be given to the Crammavill and Blackshots areas with a view to establishing evidence that will support putting Anti-Social Behaviour Orders on persistent offenders."

Published Wednesday, April 9, 2003

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