POLICE are to crack down on the growing problem in car parks.

Car washers in Saltburn, Markse and Loftus are harassing motorists in car parks in order to fund their drug habits.

PC Eddie O'Hara, from Loftus community policing team, said: "We have heard reports from car owners of intimidation and abuse from these people if they decline their offer of a car wash.We will not tolerate this type of behaviour.

"They are all claiming unemployment benefit and we will be contacting the DSS office to bring this scam to their attention.

"Residents are fed up, as the addicts are getting water from the public toilets to wash the cars and then use the facility to prepare drugs in, leaving used needles lying all around."

Councillor Dave McLuckie, Redcar and East Cleveland Council's lead member for community safety, said: "This is totally unacceptable that members of the community are harassed and upset in this way.

"I support the police in their action and will ask the council to look at ways to stop these individuals from drawing their water from the facility. I will also ask the wardens to watch for any abusive behaviour in and around car parks and in the toilets."

Posters, with contact numbers for officers who are targeting the illegal car washers, will be put up in the areas affected.