POLICE have initiated anti-social behaviour orders against seven youths after a crackdown in Cross Keys.

The move comes after residents told the Argus they were living in fear, some too afraid to go out at night, because of unruly youths in their village.

Extra police patrols were put on, and initial proceedings were started on ASBOS against seven youths.

And now, following a number of complaints from residents, officers are warning youths in Abercarn they face the same sanctions if they do not stop causing a nuisance to local people.

Officers say that an ASBO can be imposed even if the law is not broken.

The orders aim to stop youths causing "harassment, alarm or distress" to people. An action plan has been drawn up for the Abercarn area which includes extra patrols.

PC Andy Harris said: "We want to get over to people who think we can't do anything for nuisance behaviour - ASBOs give us the power to do something about anti-social behaviour."

He added that the procedure had already seen good results in the High Meadow area where two youths who were causing problems signed an acceptable behaviour contract and have not caused problems since.

An ASBO can result in youngsters being banned from certain areas and having to abide by other restraints.

PC Harris is urging parents to make sure they know where their teenagers are as the first thing they may know about their behaviour is a letter from the police.

He said: "Remember you or your relative could be the next person to suffer a poor quality of life due to the anti-social behaviour of these youths or children."

Police and councils in Gwent have already had some success with ASBOs.

In January 2001 Torfaen became the first council in Wales to take an order; for persistent tearaway Anthony Jones.

The 15-year-old was threatening staff at a school where he was excluded, and causing problems in Cwmbran. The council's community safety officer, David Jeremiah, said: "We've seen 100 per cent success."

Torfaen have considered setting orders against 28 cases but have actually only needed to set two.

Peter Wainfur, 16, and his brother, Mark, 13, were made subject to Newport's first anti-social behaviour order last February, after magistrates heard how they made the lives of residents on Somerton estate a misery.

Risca police are also working with Caerphilly council in two other ways to end the problems in Cross Keys.

A Park Watch scheme has been set up for Waun Fawr Park, where residents report any problems.

The authorities are also looking at locations to build a games area or skateboard facility to give youngsters somewhere to go.

* Pictured, PCs Sarah Borley and Dylan Jones on patrol in Cross Keys in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour