A £12,000 mobile closed-circuit television system has been brought in by crime fighters in a bid to tackle late-night drunkenness and anti-social behaviour.

The security camera is installed in a police van which will travel to incidents all over Hambleton.

Police hope the equipment will catch more criminals on camera, leaving them with no option but to plead guilty when they come to court, speeding up the justice system and saving officers' time.

Hambleton Community Safety Partnership has provided the money for the camera, which will be operated by officers from North Yorkshire Police.

Partnership officer, Sergeant Matt France said the van would come in particularly useful over the Christmas period. "The timing of the delivery of this van could not be better," he said.

"With Christmas almost upon us and major changes in licensing laws coming on line, this camera will have a very positive impact on managing the night time economy in our towns and villages.

"The ability to capture footage of anti-social behaviour and public disorder in areas not covered by fixed CCTV cameras is a huge step forward.

"Having filmed evidence certainly focuses the minds of offenders. An early admission to a crime speeds up the criminal justice system and saves officers a lot of time which can be better spent keeping our streets safe."

Fixed CCTV cameras maintained by Hambleton District Council are already in place in Thirsk, Stokesley and Northallerton.

They are monitored from a control room in Northallerton which is in constant radio contact with police officers.

A mobile camera was installed in Bedale earlier this year as part of a drive to combat anti-social behaviour in the town. It can be sent to any location for temporary surveillance.

Sgt France said: "Fixed systems are excellent but they are very costly to move to specific hotspots.

"With the deployable camera and this new van, we are broadening the district's capabilities to cut down on crime even further, as well as being able to provide crucial evidence in public order situations."