CONSERVATIVE leader Michael Howard is flying into the North-East today to adopt the Mallon method of crimefighting.

Mr Howard has chosen to travel to Middlesbrough - where Ray Mallon, the former detective who advocated zero tolerance policies, is now the mayor - to launch his party's offensive on law and order.

He will sit with Mr Mallon, who only last week told of his ambitions to become a Labour MP, at a Press conference and talk about the need to increase police numbers.

Mr Howard's anti-crime strategy will be put at the heart of the Tories' policy for the next election, and will involve stronger discipline in schools and firm but fair parenting.

He will speak today in Tony Blair's backyard and accuse the Prime Minister of creating a society where a "dramatic decline in personal responsibility" is fuelling nationwide lawlessness.

Mr Howard is also expected to give more detail of his party's policies on sentencing and to promise increases in police numbers to combat the problems.

He will say that society is being "overrun by values which eat away at people's respect for themselves, each other, their homes and their neighbourhood".

The Conservatives have switched their attention from health and education after polling within the party showed worries about crime and anti-social behaviour had risen to the top of the public's concerns.

Labour's senior advisors are also telling ministers to concentrate on law and order ahead of the party conference season and a possible General Election next summer.

Independent mayor Mr Mallon, who has been courted by the Labour Party as a potential MP, will welcome Mr Howard to Middlesbrough this morning.

They will visit the town's street wardens' headquarters before a Press conference in which both leaders will speak.

The Northern Echo understands that Mr Mallon has been engaging with Mr Howard for some time and is known to have flown to London for a meeting with the former Home Secretary in the past two weeks.

Mr Mallon said last night: "This is a really big issue and clearly the Conservative Party has been watching Middlesbrough very closely in relation to law and order.

"That is why they are coming to Middlesbrough to roll out their agenda.

"It is common knowledge that I hold Michael Howard in a high regard. Without doubt, he is the most effective Home Secretary in living memory, and I am very pleased he is coming to Middlesbrough."