Groups of two or more youths will be moved on from a Teesside housing estate to try to stamp out yobbish behaviour. The new powers are being introduced on Throston Grange estate in Hartlepool after a spate of incidents including vandalism and setting fire to bins.
The anti-social behaviour order will mean youngsters under 16 years will have to be home by 9pm, unless they are accompanied by an adult.
If they fail to comply they face a �40 fine or arrest.
Small minority
The curfew is set to run for one month from 1 November to coincide with Bonfire night.
Pc Shelly Watson, of Cleveland Police's anti-social behaviour unit, said trouble was caused by a small minority of people.
She said: "The new powers will allow police to disperse people and if they do not move on they will be arrested.
"There have been problems with a minority of youths firing missiles through shops and windows, and the scheme will initially run for a month to tackle the problems.
"But we are reasonable and it may only run for a couple of weeks if that is all it takes."
Sheena McGiven of the Throston Residents' Association said trouble had escalated on the estate in the last 18 months.
She said: "Enough is enough. We have pensioners living here who are too afraid to come out of their homes and who are too afraid to speak out for fear of reprisals."
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