NEWPORT police are launching an offensive against anti-social behaviour, targeting youngsters roaming the streets of Malpas at night. The drive comes as local people say a gang of between 50 and 60 youths are causing more problems for traders in Newport, intimidating customers and abusing workers.

The latest problem is centred around the new retail unit on Malpas Road, with teenagers gathering there on Friday and Saturday evenings. Debbie Brown, who runs CJ's Fish Bar, said their profits had started to take a dent.

She said: "We're losing trade because of these kids standing outside - they're intimidating our customers."

Caroline Spinetti, manager of Spar, Malpas Road, added: "They're making a real nuisance of themselves, and the staff here don't feel safe."

Now officers are targeting the problem with an operation on Friday night, which they hope will disperse the teenagers. They have also expressed concern for the safety of the youngsters, who are getting hold of "high strength alcohol".

Inspector Dan Taylor, of Bettws station, said: "We are focusing on the public safety aspect of these problems. Local underage youths are getting hold of high strength alcohol and drinking it on the side of one of Newport's busiest roads or on the canal bank. We want to put an end to this culture for the protection of the public and the youths involved."

PC Sophie Whiting, crime and disorder reduction officer at Bettws, added the police did have a problem making sure the youngsters do not just move on somewhere else.

Officers dealing with the problem want to try to provide bored teenagers with things to do, she said.

"We're looking to see if we can do anything as far as providing activities for the youngsters goes and giving them something else to do." Inspector Taylor added they would also be clamping down on adults who buy the youths drink.

He said: "My officers will deal robustly with any offences they find and will tackle the problem of underage drinking in this area."