Police have been given special powers to tackle crime and prevent anti-social behaviour in Plympton.

A dispersal order has been introduced in the town after complaints of nuisance behaviour, including criminal damage and underage drinking.

The order, introduced by Plympton police in conjunction with Plymouth City Council, will be in place round the clock for the next six months until November 7.

Police can move on groups of people if they suspect possible disorder.

People who ignore the order or who return to an area they have been dispersed from can be arrested.

The city council's cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, Councillor Peter Brookshaw, says the move will help the police to tackle crime and anti social behaviour.

Police requested the latest dispersal powers from the city council because of the problem of rowdy groups of young people congregating and causing trouble, especially after school hours and late into the night.

There have been numerous complaints from local residents about anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, underage drinking and assaults in areas which include several large schools.

The dispersal order is part of an extensive package of measures designed to tackle anti social behaviour in Plympton.

These measures include high visibility police patrols, poster campaigns, multi-agency neighbourhood meetings and visits to parents of known troublemakers.

"A dispersal order has been used in Plympton on two previous occasions, between August and September 2006 and from December 2006 to May 2007," Plymouth City Council said in a statement.

"In both cases statistical and anecdotal evidence demonstrated the effectiveness of these orders in reducing criminal damage, violence and anti-social behaviour in general.

"The order is subject to call in by scrutiny."

The dispersal area is within the following boundaries:
- Marsh Mills roundabout along Plymouth Road turning north after Coypool Rd, heading east after incorporating Cundy Tithe Close.
- Continuing east including all of Woodford and Colebrook to junction between Newnham Rd and West Park Hill.
- Continuing along West Park Hill turning south after Stoggy Lane.
- Following the southern boundary of Chaddlewood turning south running adjacent to Steer Park Road including all streets off this road.
- Including roundabout at Sandy Lane to Wolverwood Close into Wolverwood Lane into Plympton Hill.
- Heading west below Fore Street continuing to Drunken Bridge Hill heading north west along Merafield Road.
- Continuing along the north eastern edge of the A38 returning to Marsh Mills roundabout.