Joint operation launched to rid streets of crime and litter

A convoy of vehicles left Norton Fire Station at 10am, on the first stage of a drive targeting hotspot areas across the town.

As part of Operation Clean Sweep, teams descended on the Dundas Street, Appleton Road and Eastbourne Road areas to remove graffiti and clear away fly-tipping and litter.

Some people living in the area experience high levels of criminal damage - it accounts for 30 per cent of all reported crime in the Stockton area.

A range of agencies are working together to clean up the streets and take offenders to court, including the council, the fire brigade and Crimestoppers.

Extra foot patrols by police officers and Stockton Borough Council's enforcement team were out, issuing fixed penalty notices for offences in the area.

Tristar Homes and Accent Homes, the main landlords in the area, say they are committed to making sure tenants behave responsibly and rubbish is not left in gardens.

Chief Inspector Gary Gamesby said: "We want to bring pride and respect back to these areas and show residents they do not have to put up with damage to their properties, and that littering and graffiti is totally unacceptable."

Paul Kirton, the council's cabinet member for community safety, said: "Working together in this way will make a real difference to the area.

"This is the first of a number of operations of this type and it will include work in local schools.

"This will use the Roach campaign, which encourages children to use Crimestoppers to report anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder."

Councillor Steve Nelson, cabinet member for the environment, said "Graffiti is not only an eyesore, it is criminal damage, and fly-tipping is also an offence.

"Both are a nuisance to residents and affect their quality of life.

"After we have cleaned the area, we will leave a graffiti removal kit in the Community Centre so that any new graffiti can be removed quickly.

"We aim to make this area a more pleasant place to live."