A crackdown on anti-social behaviour has been launched in Killamarsh town centre.

On Friday and Saturday evenings up to 150 teenagers have been gathering in the town centre and dozens of cases of anti-social behaviour have been reported to Police.
 
Now the trouble-makers are being warned that strong action will be taken, with a series of evening and night time sweeps planned over the coming weeks and months.
 
The action is being coordinated by the North East Derbyshire Community Safety Partnership involving Derbyshire Police, North East Derbyshire District Council, Rykneld Homes, Killamarsh Parish Council and Derbyshire County Council.
 
North East Derbyshire District Council member for Community Safety, Cllr Peter Riggott said: "Crime is lower in North East Derbyshire than most areas - however, where pockets of anti social behaviour exist we are determined to work together to address it.
 
"The problems in Killamarsh town centre have been building for some time and on Friday and Saturday evenings up to 150 young people have gathered until the early hours. There have been many reports of vandalism and intimidation by children as young as 12 years old."
 
The agencies launched the crackdown in April with a low-key night time sweep of the town centre. Alcohol was confiscated, names and addresses taken and warning letters sent to parents alerting them to their children's behaviour.
 
However, the partnership is warning the trouble makers - and their parents - that the operation is about to step up a gear. Extra police officers are being drafted in and stronger action will be taken.
 
Sgt John Siddall of the Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: "We will not hesitate to make arrests and seek anti social behaviour orders. My message to parents is, do you know where your child is? - do you really want a phone call from us at 3am asking you to come and collect your son or daughter from the police station?"
 
The campaign has the support of the local community, with Killamarsh Parish Council playing an active role. Parish Council chair and Derbyshire County Councillor for Killamarsh, Cllr Alan Charles, said: "The vast majority of youngsters are not trouble makers. We are not setting out to target all young people but we are determined to root out the ring leaders and take action.
 
"An important part of the joint initiative will be to speak to the youngsters to get their views. Over the coming months all of the partners will be working together to develop positive outlets and activities for young people - and we will also be consulting with parents and local residents."