A DRIVE to combat anti-social behaviour by young people is reaping rewards in Sedgefield.

Sergeant Barry Anderson, in a report to the July meeting of the village's Crimewatch Panel, told of the success of the initiative, which aims to improve residents' quality of life by addressing the problem of young people's anti-social behaviour.

Several members of the panel commented that there appeared to have been an improvement.

Neil Langthorne, crime prevention officer, reported that the recent Operation Nestor, which targeted car crime in the area, had been successful.

It was now intended to follow up the initiative by demonstrating products available to help to prevent car crime.

Speaking on home security, Mr Langthorne gave a warning about the hard-sell tactics of at least one alarm company offering security advice and checks on alarm systems.

He stressed that the police gave free advice to anyone requesting it.

After hearing that Durham County Council is to build two roundabouts at the Fishburn entrance to the village, members said they did not feel this would answer their concerns about speeding through the village, from Pineridge Avenue to Bell's shop.

The panel's next meeting is on September 5.