A new drive to tackle youth crime in Hockley, Hawkwell and Hullbridge is being hailed a success by police.
Operation Fenwick was launched four weeks ago after police reacted to widespread concerns about organised disorder among the young.
Insp Andy Parkman, of Rochford police, said: "The clear message that I get from the community is many residents are fed up with the anti-social behaviour.
"We have been targetting Hockley, Hawkwell and Hullbridge and this has resulted in seven arrests so far for offences of criminal damage, drugs and public disorder.
"This has included two people who are suspected of involvement in instances of criminal damage that occurred across Hockley and Hawkwell on Halloween.
"Those youths are currently on police bail."
He told how last Friday night more than 30 youths were stopped and checked.
He said: "As a result of information we received, we were able to invoke additional powers that enabled us to prevent pre-planned disorder between groups of youths."
Published Tuesday December 16, 2003
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