More curfews are likely to combat anti-social behaviour

The promise came as Cleveland Police and the force authority launched an Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy.

The Cleveland force says it is dealing with about 200 incidents of community based disorder each day.

The new strategy will expand powers to bring in curfews and also tackle under-age drinking, vandalism and graffiti in town centres.

Recently-appointed chairman of Cleveland Police Authority Ted Cox said: "Anti-social behaviour is a blight on the quality of life of many people in the area.

"The police authority has listened to the people of Cleveland and has addressed their concerns in the strategy."

During 2003/04, the rate of public order incidents recorded by Cleveland Police was 103.8 per 1,000 resident population - the national average was 80.9.