A NORTH East MP has joined Cleveland Police to support the force in its crackdown on the anti-social behaviour which has blighted an area of Middlesbrough.

Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, joined officers in Hemlington to walk the streets and discuss planned action aimed at tackling the problem.

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It follows a week of action by Cleveland Police which has seen officers uphold a highly visible presence in the area. Officers have been on foot patrol around Viewley shopping centre, speaking with local business owners, shoppers, residents and landlords about their concerns.

But the approach extends far beyond policing. Mr Clarke also met with members of Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Fire Brigade, local schools and other partners to ensure there is a collective voice in opposing anti-social behaviour in Hemlington.

He said: “I share the total revulsion of all decent people in this area of what is being done by a tiny minority of people who are trying to cause misery and mischief.

“I know Cleveland Police are absolutely determined to make sure that this is cracked down on and the people responsible are caught.

“But it’s also about engaging with all the social groups, youth programmes and indeed individuals in the area to help best divert them away from the anti-social behaviour and criminality in the first place because they will get punished when they’re caught.

“It was very productive to meet with councillors and representatives from across the Hemlington community in a joint effort on this.

“One major takeaway is how vitally important it is that residents report incidents when they see them. The police can only act on what they know is happening.

“So let’s work together and ensure Hemlington remains a safe place to live, free from the criminality that can ruin lives.”

Chief Inspector Daryll Tomlinson, of Cleveland Police, said: “The week of action alongside our partners has been going well, with an increased high visibility presence in the area and continued engagement we have been able to help reassure local residents whilst carrying out enforcement activity.

“Our hard work to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime in the area will continue, we will continue to listen to residents and act on their concerns and try to tackle any issues they raise.”

So far, three acceptable behaviour contracts have been agreed with children identified as being involved in antisocial behaviour.

Joint meetings with these children have been carried out at their homes with their parents, police, local authority and Thirteen, where residents have been reminded of their responsibilities and terms of tenancy around anti-social behaviour.

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