AN area which is notoriously difficult to police will see an increase in patrols over the coming weeks.

Operation Anvil will attempt to reduce crime and increase trust in police on Whinney Banks, Middlesbrough.

PC Louise Thompson, who is co-ordinating the operation with Middlesbrough Council, said: "The main objective of the operation is to prevent, detect and disrupt crime patterns and trends within Whinney Banks, Middlesbrough.

"The area is notoriously difficult to police as members of the community are often scared or reluctant to liaise with police and our partner agencies."

Operation Anvil will see police officers and staff from the local authority working the same shift patterns with the same objectives.

Chief Inspector Warren Shepheard added: "Residents can expect to see heightened patrols and increased police activity within their neighbourhood over the next week. "We are hoping this will encourage local people to come forward and talk to us about the issues in their area. "If residents can give us information on what the criminals are up to we can put measures in place to disrupt, deter and arrest them."

Andy Shippey, Neighbourhood Safety Officer for Middlesbrough Council, added: "This operation is aimed at improving the quality of life for people in Whinney Banks.

"The police and the council need everyone's help to drive crime down and make criminals not welcome in their neighbourhoods.

"We hope the residents will seize this opportunity and help make Operation Anvil a huge success for law-abiding people."