BADLY behaved youths on housing estates risk getting their face on film thanks to a CCTV van patrolling the streets.

The new high-visibility vehicle, which has been filming crimes and anti-social behaviour in East Cleveland for the last two weeks , will be used to provide evidence in legal proceedings.

Similar vans have already been operating with success in other areas covered by the Cleveland Police Force.

Insp Mark Thornton said: "The van has only been in operation for two weeks but it's already been a very useful detection tool, particularly relating to off-road offences and anti-social behaviour."

The van, funded by Government Initiative Single Regeneration Budget V, is part of a police-led Acceptable Behaviour Campaign scheme to discourage anti-social behaviour.

Coast and Country Housing, which manages the housing estates on behalf of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, has also linked up with Cleveland Police to reinforce the message that anti-social behaviour won't be tolerated on the housing estates under their management.

Andrea Todd, Coast and Country Estates manager for Grangetown, said: "Our tenancy enforcement team and housing office have formed an excellent relationship with the police team.

"We are committed to reducing nuisance and anti-social behaviour and the tenancy enforcement section will soon be expanding with more specialist officers."