TEENAGE drinking gangs are being targeted in a new campaign by Crewe police.

In a fresh initiative officers will be using mobile phones to crack down on hooligans and anti-social behaviour.

A 'priority emergency phone' will be carried by the Community Action Team Officer to help halt a tide of vandalism and under-aged drinking.

The number will be given to residents and local firms being abused by yobs on Friday and Saturday nights, allowing them direct contact with officers.

PC Lindsay Wooffitt who often carries the phone said: "We only issue the number on a carefully restricted basis and the people who have it feel a lot safer.

"They know they'll get an immediate response and in a few minutes we'll be there."

Crewe Sergeant Adam Butt said: "The call comes straight through to us so we have a flying start.

"We just turn the cars round and go straight there, because we are already on the road.

"Most disorder involving teenagers is drink related.

"The names of youngsters who are involved in disorder and petty crime go on to a database where we and other agencies can keep an eye on them.

"The amount of alcohol we've seized has increased dramatically and the number of serious disorder incidents has dropped."

"Under aged drinking is a serious problem which causes concern to a lot of people."