Chelmsford police this week launched Operation Barros - a 'low tolerance' crackdown - against drunken louts who congregate in large groups in the town centre on Friday nights.

They have become increasingly concerned over the intimadatory nature of up to 30 men - ranging from early teens to late 20s - seen behaving badly on CCTV cameras.

The safety cameras have recorded fights, urinating and general nuisance, but because police resources are stretched they are unable to attend as soon as they would like to.

Now the police want to raise the profile of the 'bobby-on-the-beat' by drafting in extra resources to combat troublemakers, because Fridays are proving more of a headache than traditional Saturday night fever.

Chief Inspector Jed Stopher promised "low tolerance" on the eve of the first in the series of Operation Barros initiatives.

Tonight (Friday) existing police patrols, backed up by 10 extra officers, the mobile support division as well as dog handlers, will be on the streets with a clear message.

Cf Insp Stopher said: "We want these rowdies to know that they are being watched on CCTV cameras and police will be on the scene pronto to deal with the problem - and we are prepared to prosecute.

"Our high profile operation will continue every Friday night until Christmas to stop these gangs from taking over in the town centre and having an intimadatory effect upon ordinary members of the public."

By Steve Clow

Reporter's e-mail: steve.clow@essex-chronicle.co.uk

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.