CRIME-BUSTERS in Darlington stepped up their efforts this week by taking to the streets on a fleet of motorbikes.

The mobile team of Darlington Borough Council community wardens, each armed with a 640cc KTM Duke 2 machine, is the first rapid response team of its kind in the country.

The borough council pioneered the original community wardens scheme, giving them the power to crack down on anti-social behaviour and dish out on-the-spot fines for littering and dog fouling.

The latest development, funded by £60,000 Government cash, will see the wardens working more closely than ever with police to combat criminal activity.

The wardens will respond to police orders, speeding into action wherever there are problems, such as youths causing a nuisance on residential estates.

The motorised law enforcers will not be able to pursue offenders but can now get to problem areas in Darlington far quicker than before.

The council hopes the team will have a major impact on the growing problem of opportunist thieves preying on motorists who leave valuable items in their cars. The town has reported a surge in the number of such cases, despite high-profile campaigns and pleas from the police for people to be more vigilant.

Members of the new rapid response team will play a big part in Operation Hawkeye, raising general awareness about car crime issues.

Coun Bill Dixon said: "Our wardens already have an impressive array of powers and equipment - these bikes will further enhance their ability to tackle all sorts of crime, but specifically trying to stop car crime.

"We are now able to really get to grips with car crime and are determined to continue to tackle it.

"The response team will have all of the council's enforcement powers and will work with Durham Constabulary to make sure we have the most impact."

Insp Paul Unsworth, of Darlington police, said: "We welcome any initiative which adds to the general effort to provide community safety for people."