THE high-profile vehicles used to tackle environment crime in Stockton are proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

In the past 18 months, 905 abandoned and untaxed vehicles have been seized by Stockton Borough Council's enforcement unit.

The two cars used by the unit have on board cameras and there are plans to place an on board camera on a recently acquired motorcycle as well.

The cameras can recognise untaxed vehicles and record and replay events as they occur.

The unit also investigates vehicles suspected of carrying or dumping illegal waste and officers can prosecute motorists found guilty of discarding litter from vehicles.

Officers specialise in combating issues of youth, alcohol and litter and anti-social behaviour by working closely with the council's waste awareness officers in schools to encourage youngsters to respect their community and environment.

Graeme Small, senior enforcement officer, said: "The use of the three highly visible vehicles serve to remind and dissuade the commission of offences and is demonstrating reductions in deliberate fires, crimes relating to vehicles, levels of litter and fly-tipping and associated anti-social behaviour."

Councillor Steve Nelson, the council's cabinet member for the environment, said; "These high-profile vehicles can be seen across the borough as our enforcement team acts to make our communities cleaner, happier and safer.

"Lots of people have commented on the cars and the motorcycle.

"We want people to know we take the protection of our environment and our communities seriously and the presence of these vehicles and the hard work of our officers bring that home."