Selby police were called to a record 1,500 incidents involving young people in the last 12 months, it was revealed today.

The shock figures were released by Selby's youth action officer, who has introduced new computerised "nipper files" to monitor the incidents and the offenders.

PC Andy Patchett said more and more police time was being taken up by "nuisance youths" involved in antisocial behaviour, which also caused great distress to residents.

He said he was now considering introducing informal 'behaviour contracts', which both parents and children would be asked to sign, where there was a risk of further trouble.

In some cases, the contract would include voluntary curfews where youngsters would agree to be in their house by a certain time at night.

The 1,500 incidents this year included under-age drinking, truancy, drug abuse, swearing and shouting, smashing bottles and throwing eggs at windows.

In most cases, a letter had been sent to parents, about 75 per cent of whom had been supportive and their kids had not been in trouble since.

But the other 25 per cent of parents had not given "two hoots", or their children had ignored the advice, and they were the ones the police were targeting.

"The nipper files are to help us nip problems in the bud. By intervening at an early stage we can help steer youths away from a life of crime," said Mr Patchett.

"So far it's been a big success, enabling us to keep tabs on troublemakers.

"Until now, noone seems to have done much until they actually committed a crime and by then it could be too late.

"If we keep locking people up, they just keep re-offending and you lose them.

"At the same time we don't want to create a 'bad kids' club and give street credibility to youths on the nipper files."

Mr Patchett, a member of Selby's Action for Youth partnership, said he was also planning a new leaflet, to be sent to parents, explaining the reasons for the nipper files and early intervention programme.

Updated: 14:27 Monday, January 07, 2002