TEENAGERS could be arrested if they are seen on the streets with anyone after 9pm in an area of Middlesbrough.
Police have introduced a dispersal order to prevent teenagers from gathering in gangs in the St John's Gate area of Middlesbrough.
The banning order, which will last for a month, means that anyone found in groups of two or more on the streets after 9pm could face arrest.
Police said they would arrest anyone breaking the terms of the order, which covers an area bordered by North Ormesby Road, Marton Road, Grange Street, Abingdon Road and Borough Road.
Police said the order aimed to bring calm to the area, which has suffered for months from drunken youths, graffiti and intimidation of residents. The order follows a threat from residents in the area last week that they would tackle the yobs themselves.
Cleveland Police have urged residents plagued by anti-social behaviour to alert officers.
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