HOUSEHOLDS in Northallerton that do not have television licences are being warned that a new crackdown is under way.

Inspectors for TV Licensing North are targeting homes without licences in the DL7 and DL6 postcode areas. They employ new technology that can detect within seconds whether a television is being used. Letters have already been sent to all households without licences.

The regional manager for TV Licensing North, Mr Mark Auslebrook, said: "Our message to evaders in Northallerton is simple: we're serious about evasion and we will find you."

More than 100 evaders are caught in the Northallerton area every year. The maximum fine is £1,000.

A PAIR of burglars who stole Christmas gifts which a 72-year-old Brompton woman had bought for her grandchildren have been sent to prison.

Mr Richard Bennett, prosecuting at Teesside Criwn Court, said Robert Kemp, 19, and Daniel Stevens, 17, stole the pensioner's wrapped presents for her five grandchildren from her home in Brompton, Northallerton.

Two nights earlier they also stole children's presents from under a Christmas tree in a neighbour's house, and alcohol and money from a third house round the corner.

Kemp of Cockpit Hill, Brompton, was sentenced to 2 years in a young offenders' institution after they both pleaded guilty to three house burglaries and a theft last December. Stevens of Paterson Crescent,

Northallerton, was given the maximum 24-month detention and training order.

HAMBLETON District Council's Northallerton-based building control team has received national recognition for its work.

It was awarded the council's first charter mark by the government, which recognises excellence in public service.

A stringent set of criteria had to be satisfied, including independent assessments of both staff and customers. "This award is about modernising and innovating public service and putting the customer first.

It recognises the hard work by the staff in building control and we are very proud of their achievements," said building control manager, David Cashmore.

He and planning committee chairman, Coun Geoff Ellis, were presented the award by Local Government minister, Hilary Armstrong, at a special ceremony in London.

The Charter Mark will be held for three years by the council, before reassessment must be carried out.

Updated: 14.56 Monday, March 12