A CRIME crackdown has been hailed a success by police - but councillors have warned the focus must be maintained.

The Street Safe Action Week, in Park East ward - which includes the Skerne Park estate - ran from Monday, August 20 to Sunday, August 26.

Ten people were arrested, including seven for drug offences. Police dealt with two cases of fly-tipping and two underage drinkers, who gave false names, are being prosecuted.

Nine on-the-spot parking fines were issued, a litter warning was given to a pub and a CCTV camera was installed at the Skerne Park Community Centre.

Action was taken against 78 council tenants for breaches, including untidy gardens and failing to maintain houses.

Graffiti was removed from a number of streets, including Victoria Embankment and Bedford Street, and 21 residents received crime prevention advice.

Residents at Monday night's Park East Community Partnership meeting said the crackdown had reduced rowdiness.

Councillor Peter Freitag, of Park East, said the results proved high-profile policing works.

"You can't beat coppers on the beat," he said. "If there was less administration and more policing the old way, I think it would be more productive."

Councillor Cyndi Hughes also praised the action week, but warned crime reduction was not simply a police matter: "It's really about investing in people's futures, not just clamping down," she said.

The action week also included community events.

Chief Superindendent Carole Thompson, chairwoman of the Darlington Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: "I'm very pleased with the action week results.

"The most important thing now is to continue to address issues raised by local people."