Police are cracking down on anti-social behaviour by sending warnings to youths telling them to curb their antics or face prosecution.

The letters have gone out to eight teenagers, aged between 16 and 18, in the Whitehawk area of Brighton, outlining why their bad behaviour is anti-social and warning unless they tow the line and put a stop to a catalogue of fighting, drinking, shoplifting and disruptive behaviour they will end up in court.

Further anti-social warnings have also been issued to four people in the St James Street area of Kemp Town, targeted for their drinking and aggressive begging, and to two residents in the Woodingdean area for general disruptive behaviour.

Inspector Paul Smith, of Brighton police, said the letters were the first to be issued in the area and among only 45 around the country.

He said: "The letters that have been sent warn them their behaviour is anti-social and lists the evidence we have so far as their behaviour is concerned.

"We are now monitoring their behaviour and if it doesn't improve, or carries on in the same vein, we will hold a meeting with the council and outline our intentions to go to court for an anti-social order."

If the police and council decide to pursue the matter it would go before a magistrates court as a civil matter.

The court could impose an anti-social order for a minimum of two years and, if breached, the offender would be arrested and face fines, community service or imprisonment.