PLANS for a community wide crackdown on crime have been unveiled.
Tackling anti-social behaviour and the drugs trade are priority targets in Middlesbrough's three-year Crime and Disorder Strategy.
John Richardson, Middlesbrough Council's corporate director, said alleygates, neighbourhood wardens and security cameras, were already in place, as well as successes of anti-drugs operations, to build on.
He said: "The key for this next period will be delivery. Arrangements are in place. working practices are well developed and finance is available. The next period should produce a major impact on crime and disorder in the town.''
Senior police officers and representatives of other agencies involved in combating crime outlined schemes yesterday to deal with drugs, prostitution, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, burglary, auto and retail crime.
Middlesbrough Police commander Chief Superintendent Dave Lumb, chairman of the crime and disorder partnership, said tackling anti-social behaviour was a key element, along with the impact of drugs on offending.
He said: "The views and priorities of local people have been sought and incorporated into the strategies.
"Along with our partner agencies we want to create a safer and better Middlesbrough for everybody.
"The strategy sets out clear aims and challenges. It is designed to tackle the specific aspects of crime and disorder."
Alan Brown, crime reduction director for the North-East, said: "A great deal of work has gone into con- sultation with the local communities in Middlesbrough to identify their concerns.
"There is Home Office funding for a variety of initiatives and the team here in the North-East will continues to work with the Crime Reduction Partnership to ensure the best delivery of their strategy to make Middlesbrough a safer place to live, work and play.
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