POLICE will today begin cracking down on "boy racers" who meet in car parks and on estates to perform stunts.

Under new powers, Durham Police will warn drivers they are causing a problem - and if the warnings are ignored, they could seize their vehicles.

People across County Durham have raised concerns about groups, sometimes as many as 70, gathering to show off in their cars.

"They get involved in a range of stunts that include accelerating and braking heavily, as well as spinning their cars," said Chief Inspector Carole Thompson.

"An additional and particularly worrying feature is that in some cases these drivers engage in races on the local road network, putting both themselves and others at risk."

Under the Police Reform Act 2002, drivers causing alarm, distress or annoyance are guilty of careless or inconsiderate driving.

If a driver ignores a warning and is caught again within 12 months, his vehicle will be confiscated on the spot.

He will only get it back by paying a £105 fixed fee, plus a £12-a-day storage charge.

Chief Insp Thompson said: "We accept some young people may not appreciate the alarm and disturbance their behaviour causes, and a ticking off may be enough in most cases.

"But those who ignore the warning should be left in no doubt, they will be penalised."

She added that many of the vehicles driven at the gatherings belonged to parents.

"Parents are often unaware what their offspring get up to. When warnings are issued, parents will be told, not least because they may have to pay to get vehicles released."