Police confirmed to the Mercury yesterday that they had identified the members of Wolfpack. Residents say they have been responsible for bullying, violence, theft and vandalism.

As police will testify, curbing such anti-social behaviour is not easy. Offenders have to be caught in the act or solid evidence gained for police to prosecute. And then it remains to be seen what the courts decide.

But it is encouraging that Lake Illawarra police have vowed to take a zero-tolerance approach. Extra patrols and surveillance will be part of the crackdown.

Sadly, Dapto is not the only suburb to be affected by youths behaving badly - and it is a too-frequent occurrence.

However, we must attack the problem from all angles.

This includes education and programs to ensure our young people are fully engaged with their communities and understand the damage they do to themselves, their families and those around them when they smash property and impinge on the rights of others.

These preventative strategies act as a good insurance for us all. But that should not preclude police being able to use their authority to restore order when things do go awry.