POLICE have revealed a blueprint to tackle anti-social crime and nuisance behaviour by youths.

Thirteen community inspectors will oversee the fight against what is dubbed "low-level crime" in Darlington and County Durham.

They will look at issues including vandalism, graffiti, abandoned cars, under-age drinking, late-night street noise, use of off-road bikes and the misuse of fireworks.

Durham Chief Constable Paul Garvin said: "People have consistently told us they want to see more officers on patrol and we now have a record number of bobbies on the streets.

"They told us they were worried by house burglaries and these are now at an all-time low.

"We now have one of the lowest crime rates in the country and the best detection rate in England.

"Easing anxiety among those members of the community who feel most vulnerable is now a top priority for this force."

Mr Garvin said the 13 community inspectors, six in the north and seven in the south of the force area, will be responsible for tackling quality- of-life issues.

"These men and women, all experienced front-line officers, will provide the platform from which we will confront head-on the day-to-day problems that might be seen by some as relatively small, but which can have a huge impact on people's lives," he said.

"Wherever problems are identified these inspectors will be tasked with doing all in their power to find solutions."

Among the resources available to the inspectors will be the teams of recently formed community support officers across Durham and Darlington.

The initiative, drawn up by Chief Superintendent Eric Irwin, will also involve examining the way officers work with communities to reduce the fear of crime.

Councillor Anne Wright, who chairs Durham Police Authority, welcomed the force's response.

The newly appointed community inspectors and the areas in which they will operate are: Ian Proud (Stanley), Catherine Boyd (Consett), Dave Marshall (Chester-le-Street), Dick Dodds (Durham), Paul Harrison (Peterlee), Geoff Smith (Seaham), Sue Collingwood and Paul Unsworth (both Darlington), Kevin Tuck (Barnard Castle and Teesdale), Steve Winship (Spennymoor), George Ledger (Crook and Weardale), Andy Neill (Newton Aycliffe), and Ian Butler (Bishop Auckland).