GANGS of young people blamed for a wave of antisocial behaviour face a "zero tolerance" push by police who want to stop trouble at the root.

Residents in Haxby, Wigginton, Strensall and Stockton-on-the-Forest have complained of a string of incidents that are making their lives miserable.

Police have received reports of intimidating groups, petty vandalism of play equipment, buildings and road signs, and drunken hooliganism.

Now they have brought together beat officers, community support officers (PCSOs), volunteer special constables and private ranger patrols to put pressure back on troublemakers.

Sergeant Richard Crinnion, who has organised the patrols, said officers will be stopping young people, taking names and addresses, confiscating alcohol and speaking to parents.

He said: "There will be a zero tolerance approach to crime and nuisance behaviour, no matter how minor.

"We want to send out a strong message to the small minority who make a bad name for young people. Your behaviour will not be tolerated.

"The biggest problem is drink. Parents need to be aware that they have a responsibility to know where their kids are and what they are doing."

Among the police team responsible for this area are PC Donna Musgrove and PCSOs Tom Laurie and Lisa Vause. They can be contacted by phoning 0845 60 60 24 7.

Updated: 10:13 Saturday, August 20, 2005