The move follows a successful trial project involving officers from Northumbria Police in the south east of the county.

At the moment, the force is dealing with more than 80 cases of anti-social behaviour a week in the area.

The unit will collate information and create a database of "hotspots" where force resources can be better targeted.

Sgt Stephen Cochrane, who heads the unit, said: "It's all about quickly identifying people causing the main problems in the community and trying to prevent their misbehaviour with the co-operation of our partners.

"It's not just about enforcement, but that is ultimately the line we can go down through Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos).

Quality of life

"We were always keen to extend our initiative across the rest of Northumberland and are delighted this is now happening.

"Tackling anti-social behaviour is top of the government's agenda and we are enthusiastic about making an impact and improving the quality of people's lives."

In south east Northumberland, from January until the end of July, the unit has issued 590 warning letters and 137 second letters where a youth has continued to misbehave.

If youngsters are found committing disorder more than three times in a year they can find themselves being required to sign up to Acceptable Behaviour Agreements or meeting with agencies to try and change their behaviour.

A total of 35 Acceptable Behaviour Agreements (ABAs) are in place while nine Asbos have been issued by the courts in Northumberland.