Young people who have been causing trouble in two neighbouring villages will be ordered to leave the streets under new powers adopted by police.
The measure, known as a dispersal order, has been introduced in Thurnby and Scraptoft following complaints from residents and businesses about the behaviour of a group of youths.
They have been blamed for a series of incidents of vandalism and drunken, anti-social behaviour in both villages.
The order, which has been granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, allows police to break up groups of young people who are causing a nuisance, telling them to leave the area for up to 24 hours.
Those under 16 can be escorted home.
Anyone who fails to comply with a police officer's instruction to disperse can be arrested and could face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to three months in custody.
The order came into effect on Monday. Police stressed it was not a blanket curfew and that youngsters have nothing to fear if they are behaving.
A number of ringleaders have previously been visited at home and spoken to in the presence of their parents.
Two youths suspected of involvement in the trouble have been arrested, said beat officer Pc Steve Winn.
"We have a group of youths which has been causing problems for residents and shopkeepers for some time and the idea of introducing the dispersal order now is that it will cover the spring and summer months, which have been the most problematic times.
"It is not a curfew. Officers will use their discretion on how they use the dispersal order in response to complaints from residents."
One shopkeeper in Thurnby said: "We had problems with people hanging around after the shop had closed.
"It was kids drinking and leaving litter around the street.
"They weren't actually harassing anyone but the people who live here felt very uncomfortable.
"We have not had any problems for the past few months because the police are doing a good job and hopefully this new thing they are doing will make sure the problems don't come back."
Simon Galton, the area's district and county councillor, said: "I have been to a number of public meetings there where residents have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour of a fairly large number of youths.
"The problems people have been talking about include windows being smashed, gardens being trampled and fences broken.
"There was a concern among some people that the police have been slow to react to these problems but I think they will be reassured now that these issues are being taken seriously."
The order will be in place for six months and will be reviewed by police regularly.
Similar orders have been granted in parts of Leicester and have been credited with helping to reduce street crime and anti-social behaviour.
The boundaries of the Thurnby order are Station Lane, including Fern Close, Forest Rise, the neighbouring open land and Pulford Drive.
The boundary of the area of Scraptoft which is covered by the order is part of Covert Lane, Station Lane, Scraptoft Rise, Main Street, Beeby Road, including Malsbury Avenue, Mitchell Green, Corah Close and Elliots End. It also includes Edith Cole Memorial Park.
