Angry residents are declaring war on teenage tearaways who are terrorising their neighbourhood.
Seventy people packed a public meeting to voice fears over a catalogue of crime which is making their lives a misery.
Residents in Prettygate, Colchester, say they are plagued by large groups of yobs.
They claim the gangs are responsible for:
Physical and verbal abuse
Vandalism
Suspected drug-dealing
Under-age drinking.
Former councillor Ron Levy said: "Feelings are running very, very high. One night one woman counted 27 people in a gang girls and boys."
Council representatives and community police officers also attended the meeting.
Police say they will target known trouble-causers with anti-social behaviour orders.
Published Wednesday April 7, 2004
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