Police will be able to move youths from specific areas

Officers say there have been a number of crimes in Plympton and dozens of complaints about large groups of young people loitering in the area.

The dispersal area would mean officers could break up groups of people who could face arrest if they did not move.

The number of anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) issued in Devon has risen from 18 last year to 54.

It's important not to categorise all young people in a negative light - there are a lot of good youngsters out there Ch Insp Andy Bigley

An Asbo is intended to restrict the behaviour of individuals in different ways, including preventing association with named people, and going to particular areas at certain times.

Anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, Philip Vandenhov, says the orders are effective.

He said: "An Asbo does curb behaviour and although there have been a few breaches, there are noticeably less problems."

Referring to the dispersal scheme, Ch Insp Andy Bigley says arresting young people will only be done as a last resort.

He said: "What we need to do is work in particular with youth workers and outreach projects to find out what the issues are from a youth perspective.