EXTRA police patrols are being sent into a town's housing estates to catch rowdy youngsters.

Police fear that the start of the six-week school holidays could herald a rise in anti-social behaviour.

Additional Cleveland Police foot patrols are being sent into Middlesbrough's Brambles Farm and Pallister Park estates, backed up by a police van, specially fitted to take video footage.

It is all part of Operation Crossborder, in partnership with Middlesbrough street wardens and police community support officers.

A police command vehicle is moving from one area to another for residents to report anti-social behaviour problems.

Today, it will be parked outside Charlbury Road Community Centre, Middlesbrough.

Police inspector Steve Kielty said: "We will be running Operation Crossborder over the next few weeks while the schools are on holiday.

"We want to reassure residents in our area that we take their concerns extremely seriously and are working hard to tackle any problems.

"We also want to remind those intent on anti-social behaviour that this will not be tolerated; that with our partners from the local community we will take the strongest action possible against those who persist in making life miserable for the majority of law-abiding residents.''

Parents are being asked to keep their children away from schools across east Cleveland this summer unless there is an organised event.

Police are carrying out daily patrols of schools in an attempt to thwart vandalism and burglary during the holiday term.

Crime Prevention Officer PC Steve Drabik said: "There is nothing worse for children, especially young ones, to return from a break and discover classrooms defaced and work tools and equipment destroyed or stolen."