POLICE are stepping up their battle against disorderly and anti-social behaviour with a crackdown in Northallerton.

The blitz was launched yesterday when extra, high-visibility patrols took to the streets.

Code-named Operation Plus, the move by the town's police will tackle areas identified as being a problem, or potential problem areas.

The local officers are being supported by a team of part-timers from the Special Constabulary, and community support officers have also been called in for the operation.

Their aim is to significantly reduce the number of reported incidents of disorder in the town.

Among the issues they are especially targeting are drunkenness in the street, bad language and groups of youths who upset passers-by.

Officers from the force's Public Order Evidence Gathering Team will also be helping with the operation.

They will be using optical and audio equipment to film and record any incidents of disorder and anti-social behaviour.

Officers from the police dog section are also being deployed. The operation will continue for two weeks.

Spokesman Tony Lidgate said: "In the great scheme of things Northallerton is a pleasant law-abiding place and things could be worse.

"But at the same time, they could also be better and that is why we are taking this action."

PC Andy Rogers, of the Public Order Evidence Gathering Team, said: "We have put this operation together at a time that historically has seen problems around Hallo- ween and Bonfire Night.

"The aim of this operation is to reassure local people by providing dedicated high-visibility patrols, to tackle highlighted problem areas, and to deter anti-social behaviour from being committed.

"Our message to those engaged in anti-social behaviour or public disorder would be: 'If you are committing offences or causing problems, we will record your activities and we will deal with you'."