PUBLICISING a crime crackdown in Darlington defeats the purpose, residents have claimed.

But last night the council defended its policy in highlighting extra round-the-clock police patrols for a week in the Park East area, starting on Monday.

Off-licences selling drink to youngsters will be targeted, while the DVLA will search for untaxed cars.

A leaflet has been sent to residents in the area, informing them of the increased police activity.

It reads: "The Street Safe Action Week is coming to Skerne Park, South Park, Clifton Road, Victoria Embankment, and Bedford Street to tackle burglary, criminal damage, anti-social behaviour, thefts from cars, drugs and alcohol."

There have also been articles on Darlington Borough Council's website, darlington.gov.uk, and in The Northern Echo.

But residents claim the publicity will only deter criminals for a week - until the blitz is over.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "The leaflet came through the door, saying which areas would be targeted, and when.

"If they're trying to tackle these problems, what is the point in letting people know about it?

"Apart from a waste of money, they're going to warn trouble- makers that the police are coming.

"Instead of operating in Park East, they will leave for a week, then come back. If they want to do things like this, it should be covert. It's absolutely stupid."

Another resident said: "They say they are targeting off-licences that sell booze to teenagers. Well, how many will they catch now they've told them all about it?"

But a council spokeswoman said awareness was important.

"The action week is not just about catching criminals," she said. "It is about reassuring residents and raising awareness of a wide range of issues, including providing activities for young people. We are hoping people will tell us what their problem areas are so we can tackle them."

The first Street Safe Action Week, held in May in Central ward, was publicised - and was deemed a success by the council and police.

Nearly 200 pints of alcohol were seized, 111 people were prosecuted for untaxed cars, graffiti was scrubbed from a number of walls, and two drug warrants were executed.