A FACILITY for youngsters on a Darlington estate has caused a dramatic drop in crime, according to community workers.

The 20ft converted shipping container in Firthmoor, known as a Pod, is being used as an evening meeting place for teenagers, providing a television and computer games.

Community enterprise officer Mark Fabb said: "I'm not suggesting in any way that the kids using the pod have been responsible for any crime. But it seems to have had a positive knock-on effect for the whole estate.

"We had major problems with car crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Since we have had the pods there has not been one stolen car on the estate. In three weeks, crime has dropped dramatically."

The pod, supervised by resident Trish Johnson, is one of a number which Darlington Borough Council has temporarily installed across the town for residents' use.

Councillor Lee Vasey secured a PlayStation 1 and 2, plus games, from the council for the Firthmoor pod, which is in Emley Moor Road.

"The kids are really excited about it," she said.

"I think it's had a positive effect on crime and on the estate in general."

Residents are now hoping a second pod will be installed on the estate and want to make the original a permanent fixture.

A council spokeswoman said the Firthmoor pod was due to be moved in May, but that the authority would "review the success of it".

She said other pods in town had proved popular.

Chief Inspector Barry Knevitt said there had been a drop in car-related crime and anti-social behaviour across the Darlington division.