DRUNKEN yobs and trouble-makers on Darlington estates are being warned there will be nowhere to hide as the police get a new weapon in their crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
From April, the town's police will have closed circuit television (CCTV) in their riot vehicles - which patrol the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights.
Equipment, costing £17,000, will produce high quality images, which will be used to identify offenders and as evidence in court.
It also means CCTV can now be used in parts of the town that are not covered by the town's existing web of cameras.
Sergeant Paul Robinson, of Darlington Police, said the newly-equipped riot vehicles would mean more arrests, more convictions and would also work as a deterrent to criminals.
He said: "Anti-social behaviour is the biggest concern of Darlington residents by a long way.
"Three years ago, burglary was the biggest concern but now quality of life issues feature more heavily.
"There has been a significant increase in anti-social behaviour in many wards in Darlington.
"We have excellent CCTV coverage in the town centre, but there are gaps - like these estates.
"We can now take these vans out at any time of the day out to estates where there are problems. The scheme will give us flexibility."
There is already a police riot van equipped with CCTV in Sedgefield, and police officers have reported it is working well.
It is hoped the vans in Wear Valley and Tees Valley will be the next to be fitted with the cameras.
Sgt Robinson said: "CCTV has had a first-class effect in the town centre and now we want to take the facility elsewhere."
The £17,000 has come from a £180,000 grant from the Home Office's Safer and Stronger Communities Fund, which helps the police and local authorities address crime and disorder.
A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council, said: "Our cameras have provided a deterrent against crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the town centre, parks and residential areas, so surveillance cameras should be beneficial for police operations."
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