LARGE groups of youths are causing anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in a village, say police.

An action partnership group has now been set up to tackle problems being caused by groups of young people in Brandon.

Police say complaints have been made by youths causing disruption on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

According to the police, the groups of young people are known to disrupt elderly residents in the Sycamore Park and one occasion have smashed a ground floor window of one of the properties.

Graffiti can also be seen around the village in a number of areas including Lowland Road, which is scattered with litter.

Sergeant Mark Mallatratt, from Framwellgate Moor and Meadowfield neighbourhood team said: “Brandon should be a clean and anti-social behaviour free area, a desirable location for the community to live.

“We will actively pursue offenders and take all measures to ensure they know we will not tolerate this behaviour.

“An action partnership group has now been set up to tackle this issue together.

“We would also ask for support from parents to ensure they know where and what their children are up to in the evenings.

“If you suspect your children may be involved, please encourage them to come and speak with us voluntarily.”

Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact the Framwellgate Moor and Meadowfield neighbourhood policing team by calling Durham Police on 101.