A TEN-HOUR police operation aimed at tackling drink-fuelled crime across a Teesside borough resulted in five arrests.

The weekend crackdown, in Stockton, Billingham, Yarm, Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick, saw 55 police officers and trading standards staff targeting pubs, off-licences and rogue taxis.

Of the five arrests in their operation on Friday night, two were alcohol-related.

Inspector Ciaron Irvine, the officer in charge, said the small number of arrests was a positive sign.

"The relatively low number of arrests is a testament to the success of operations like Sabre in tackling criminality in the Cleveland area," he said.

Police and council staff uncovered a number of infringements of public entertainment licences and the operation of some bouncers in a visit to more than 30 public houses.

Checks were also made of 20 off-licences and quantities of alcohol seized from children found drinking underage.

A number of licensing offences relating to taxis are being pursued against drivers from the Stockton area.

A 23-year-old man was arrested for being in possession of a controlled drug, a 16-year-old on suspicion of stealing a motorcycle and a man in his 30s on suspicion of burglary.

The two arrested for alcohol-related crime were an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, both from Stockton.

Police officers were supported by dog handlers, closed-circuit television-equipped vehicles and police horses Charlie and Blue, ridden by constables Tim Raynes and Mark Humble.

The Stockton crackdown came a fortnight after a similar operation in Middlesbrough which resulted in 22 arrests.

Insp Irvine said: "A lot of people come into the town centres.

"The majority want a fun-filled, action-packed night out, but there is a significant number who wish to engage in disrupting the night out. These people need to be stopped."

Billingham, Thornaby, Yarm and Stockton all have alcohol-free zones. Stockton town centre is covered by a dispersal order, allowing officers to break up groups of youths and escort minors home.

The town recently introduced a scheme in which, after three offences, an individual is barred by the courts from the town centre.

Insp Irvine said: "Those people who do come here for a proper night out and to enjoy themselves should be allowed to do so."