POLICE in the Crabbs Cross area are going all out to tackle antisocial behaviour after the extension of new dispersal orders to move on gangs.

But officers based at Crabbs Cross Police Station, whose beat includes Headless Cross and Walkwood, are also looking at more preventative measures by sending out letters to parents.

Much of their time is spent dealing with complaints about youths hanging about or causing a disturbance, even though they are just a small minority, said Pc Richard Waterhouse.

As part of a package of more preventative action, he has been writing to parents.

"We just want parents to be aware their teenage son or daughter is not necessarily where they say they are if they go out in the evening," said Pc Waterhouse.

"We want them to make sure they ask their children where they are going and take responsibility.

"We aren't necessarily saying these kids have done wrong but we want parents to be aware there is a problem with youths hanging about."

Pc Waterhouse said the team at Crabbs Cross were also working with off-licences to try to stop alcohol getting into the hands of children. The problem, he said, was adults buying it for youngsters.

Meanwhile, police have applied for an antisocial dispersal order for parts of Woodrow.

It starts at 6am on Friday and will run until August 5.

Pc Nev Patterson said: "We've had problems in this area of Woodrow for some time with groups of youths gathering and acting in an antisocial way, such as damaging garden fences and parked cars, smashing bottles and generally causing alarm and distress to people."

It will cover Pedmore Close, Longdon Close and Newlands Close and will include Woodrow First School.

Pc Patterson will be holding a beat surgery from 10.15-11.45am tomorrow at Woodrow Library, Woodrow Centre.