Police say graffiti cases have decreased since the scheme started

A Devon and Cornwall Police operation in Plympton and Plymstock has seen a reduction in fighting, graffiti and underage drinking.

Officers contact children's parents to see if they are aware of their behaviour. In some cases, they draw up an "acceptable behaviour contract".

The scheme is to be expanded to other areas of the city.

It's a reasonable way of proceeding rather than leaping headlong into Asbos Inspector Russ Mogridge

The officer behind the operation, Inspector Russ Mogridge, said: "They are, generally, safe places to live. We don't have a lot of crime there.

"However, there was a lot of concern about disorder and nuisance behaviour from people aged between 13 and 18, and we were getting quite a few complaints about it."

"We understand that young people need to have somewhere to socialise, but sometimes gathering in groups can be seen as intimidating by residents."

The first part of the operation, which started last October, was identifying hotspots. Local police and special constables then spoke to teenagers.

Inspector Mogridge said: "The initial part is to write to parents and ask if they wanted to speak to us about it.

"We had quite a good response because some parents didn't know their youngsters were involved.

"On a second occasion, we write again and this time visit parents."

However, a third instance sometimes sees officers bring in a multi-agency organisation, the Plymouth Problem Solving Group, which involves officers from youth affairs, the Probation Service, education service and the city council, to draw up an "acceptable behaviour contract".

Underage drinking

Inspector Mogridge said: "The idea is that parents, the child and police would draw up an agreement, part of which is to make them realise what is acceptable in terms of being responsible."

The last course of action is an Anti-social Behaviour Order (Asbo).

Inspector Mogridge said: "Since we started running it, we've taken details on 300 occasions, but only applied for 16 behaviour contracts and one Asbo."

"It's a reasonable and rational way of proceeding rather than leaping headlong into Asbos."

The scheme has had a good response from parents and residents. Police are also working with local licensees and off-licences to combat underage drinking.