YOBBISH young people who intimidate residents of north Durham communities are jeopardising their futures, police have warned.

Gangs of teenagers who drink on the streets of Stanley and Annfield Plain are making life a misery for people who live there.

Many fear walking past large groups of young people in case they are subjected to abuse or violence.

It makes walking the dog or a trip to the shops unbearable for some people.

The problem is now one of the top priorities for community police teams in the area.

Inspector Amanda Cathrine, of Stanley Police, said: "There may be foul language used that the older generation find offensive.

"People have read about others responding to this sort of thing who end up getting attacked.

"People fear that they could walk past a large group with potentially fatal consequences.

"It is important to keep a sense of perspective but I understand their concerns."

Police have identified the park and Tesco at Annfield Plain as hot spots along with the Sustans track that leads to New Kyo, the Good Street Estate in Tanfield and Tanfield Nature Reserve.

Problem areas have also been identified at Shield Row gardens and Causey Drive in Stanley.

High visibility patrols are being stepped up in the hot spot areas to reassure residents that police are trying to tackle the problem.

Most of the disorder is fuelled by alcohol and officer will be seizing drink from underage young people.

Persistent offenders will be referred to alcohol intervention service.

Police have warned that criminal charges could be brought against abusive offenders and anti social behaviour orders (ASBOs) can also be imposed.

The idea of an ASBO is restrict the freedom of offenders to make them change their habits.

Breaking the conditions of one is a criminal offence that can result in prison.

Insp Cathrine added: "A criminal conviction maps out their future and can close the door on some opportunities.

"An ASBO can stop a certain forms of behaviour before it becomes life changing because a criminal conviction can make life very difficult for them in the future."

To report anti social behaviour call 0345-60-60-365.