SECURITY patrols are being stepped up around houses earmarked for demolition at the heart of Britain's arson capital.

Signs have been put on some of the 150 houses to be flattened at South Bank making people aware they have been stripped of everything of value, while other notices warn people that the buildings may be unsafe to enter.

Recent national figures recorded Teesside as having the worst arson record in the UK.

Tony Churchill, Grangetown's station manager said: "Out of all fires in our area, 90 per cent are deliberate.

"When houses are left unoccupied, it tempts people in, creates anti-social behaviour and encourages arsonists," said Mr Churchill.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council are tearing down streets of empty, terraced, vandal-hit houses, as part of a programme to rejuvenate the area and improve the quality of life of residents.

Mr Churchill said: "With this group of houses being identified for demolition, working with other agencies is essential to minimise problems and reduce the risk to the community.

"When we get called to a fire at a derelict house, especially if it has been repeatedly hit by arsonists it becomes more dangerous, the building becomes very unstable, ceilings can cave in and the whole building could collapse. These are very risky situations to be in and put lives at risk."

Cleveland Police and community police support officers will be stepping up their patrols.

In addition, the neighbourhood support workers, employed by the Guinness Trust, are carrying out daily inspections.

Sergeant Jame Mason based at South Bank police station said: "Our aim is to make this area safe while work is being carried out to improve it.

"Where property is earmarked for demolition there tends to be a lot of anti-social behaviour and arson which clearly affects the quality of life of those still living in the area and can place both the general public and emergency services in danger."

Neil Cawson of Redcar and Cleveland's Renewal Team said: "While we have identified this site for demolition to reduce the over supply of older street houses in the area, we want to cause minimum disruption during the process. This is why we are keen to support the partnership with Cleveland Fire Brigade, Cleveland Police and The Guinness Trust."