A BANNING order is being introduced in Stockton town centre targeting shoplifters and thieves.

During the two-week period in November, from Wednesday, November 12 to Tuesday, November 25, 90 offences were recorded by Cleveland Police compared to 152 in the previous four weeks.

Dispersal orders will now be issued to anyone found committing crimes, forbidding them from entering a specified area for a certain length of time.

They will cover the areas of Stockton town centre within the boundaries of Churchyard Link Road A1305, Prince Regent Street, Nelson Terrace, Leeds Street, Allison Street, Maritime Road A1305 and Riverside Road A1305.

It will run from 10am on Friday, December 5, and it will be reviewed every 48 hours, with the view to continuing the order throughout the Christmas period.

Acting Inspector Tony Cross, from Stockton Integrated Neighbourhood Team, said: “We have seen an increase in a number of offences in the town centre area recently. We feel that introducing a dispersal order will assist us in preventing more people from becoming victims of crime, be that keeping people safe during the day whilst they are out and about doing their Christmas shopping or on a night-time when they are out enjoying themselves in the pubs and bars in the town.”

He added: “The orders have been successful in other areas and high visibility patrols will also be carried out to reassure the local community.”