EXTRA police patrols are being put into Darlington's town centre in a bid to prevent a repeat of summer robberies last year.

Superintendent Phil Aspey, Darlington police's divisional commander, said last year's summer holidays saw a spate of youngsters being assaulted by thieves wanting their expensive bikes. Others were assaulted for their mobile phones.

This year, said Supt Aspey, police would not be sitting back waiting for it to happen again.

"We are putting patrols into the areas where it happened last year, which is particularly the town centre and some of the parks areas," he said.

Supt Aspey urged people with bikes to take care where they go and not to leave them lying around.

Police were also continuing to make people aware of the problems of thieves targeting items in cars.

"You can be certain if you leave property like a coat, handbag, bag or mobile phone in view in the car, it will go," said Supt Aspey.

Traffic wardens and police are making a note of car registrations where items are left on show.

The owners are then being written to, advising them on the problems and how not to get caught out.