Thugs rampaging through Northern Ireland's towns and villages could be banned from neighbourhoods under new laws which came into force today.
Anti-Social Behaviour Orders have been introduced in a bid to curb the growing menace of teenage hooligans terrorising their communities.
Troublemakers as young as ten years of age can be targeted as the authorities bring in legislation already operating in the UK. Anyone who breaches the order could be fined or face up to five years in jail.
Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar warned offenders the punishment will be severe.
"This provides another tool in dealing with behaviour of this kind which can ruin lives and local communities," he said. "It complements measures which already exist and lets those who act in an anti-social way know that they will face firm sanctions."
Orders can be imposed by a magistrate in cases where there is no associated conviction.
Police, district councils or the Housing Executive can all urge the action against anyone they believe poses an anti-social threat. But the courts will have discretionary powers to impose reporting restrictions and prevent children being named and shamed.
PA