FIREFIGHTERS are determined to prevent a spate of car fires in Middlesbrough escalating out of control.

Cleveland fire brigade has teamed up with Middlesbrough Council to remove abandoned cars before young yobs can torch them.

There were 11 vehicle fires in July in the Grove Hill area of the town, with none in June and only nine between January and May.

Lol Craven, fire brigade arson task force manager, said: "We aim to reduce arson and anti- social behaviour by working together and sharing information.

"During the school holidays, there is normally increased crime and fire-setting, but we are determined to do everything we can to keep it down.

"We will now be directing our resources into the Clairville area to ensure that these spates of arson are stopped to ensure the safety of the community."

A hidden camera system has been installed to spot vehicles that have been dumped in areas arsonists have targeted.

The council has authority from the DVLA to remove vehicles that are not taxed to help to reduce potential targets.

And by identifying hot-spots, the fire brigade and the police can put resources into areas to stop anti-social behaviour such as arson and theft.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety and leisure, said: "The council is one of only a few local authorities in the country approved to use devolved powers from the DVLA, and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act to pro-actively remove abandoned or nuisance vehicles instantly.

"Last year, there was a 57 per cent reduction in the number of abandoned vehicles in Middlesbrough.

"These positive reductions enable us to work pro-actively with Cleveland Fire Brigade to target vulnerable areas and those responsible for causing deliberate vehicle fires.

"The rapid removal of nuisance vehicles prevents such arson attacks."

To report arson, contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111, and to remove abandoned vehicles, contact the council on 01642-726001.