BOY-racers are getting the boot in Abergavenny in a clampdown by Gwent police.

Officers have been stamping out anti-social behaviour in a month-long initiative, codenamed Operation Elite.

It comes after teens were caught driving recklessly with car stereos blaring in car parks in the town.

The police hailed the crackdown a success after cars were seized and fines dished out to anti-social youngsters.

Complaints were made by residents after gangs congregated in car parks.

Heading up the operation, Superintendent Jon Burley said the core of the problem lay in the bus station car park on Monmouth Road.

Patrols were stepped in the area to catch the culprits out.

As a result:

* Two cars were seized;

* 12 warnings given;

* Five car rectification reports handed out;

* Several fixed penalty tickets issued.

Supt Burley told the Argus the operation had been a worthwhile exercise.

He said: "This...targets people who use their cars without any consideration to safety, other road users or residents.

"Unacceptable noise from car stereos and driving vehicles in a reckless manner to impress friends appears to be an increasing problem."

To stop the situation in the long-term, officers will formally warn or seize cars, slapping owners with a £105 release charge.

Supt Burley added: "In the case of persistent offenders we may consider permanent seizure of the vehicle."