A SURVEILLANCE van is patrolling crime-plagued areas in a bid to make them safer.

Police in Sunderland West have introduced a mobile closed-circuit television (CCTV) unit as part of their efforts to combat anti-social behaviour and youth disorder.

Funded by the Single Regeneration Budget, the Posse van is patrolling Pennywell, Ford, South Hylton, Thorney Close, Plains Farm, Grindon, Springwell and Farringdon, which are all covered by the Government programme.

It is highly visible, with four cameras which can be elevated 20ft into the air, and will supply video evidence in prosecutions.

Chief Inspector Steven Hopkirk said: "It provides the officer with another set of eyes and, in prosecution cases, an irrefutable account of an incident. We firmly believe it will act as a deterrent to crime and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour."

As well as use in court cases, video evidence obtained by the van will also be used to confront parents.

Ch Insp Hopkirk said: "Parents are sometimes shocked when they see exactly what their children are up to.

"Showing them video footage will warn them that unless their children stop, further action may be taken against them."