THE growing problem of anti-social behaviour in Darlington is set to be targeted through a new campaign.

Darlington Borough Council's civic enforcement team is working closely with Durham Police and local retailers to identify the culprits and help to resolve the issue.

The council’s CCTV team is also monitoring the network of cameras that cover the town centre, with several individuals already identified and made the subject of ‘exclusion letters’ banning them from specific areas, while others will be interviewed along with their parents.

'Creepy' naked runner, 18, pleads guilty to Durham exposures

Extra patrols are operating throughout the town centre and council staff will continue to work closely with Police and retailers to share information.

Councillor Helen Crumbie, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said:

“Anti-social behaviour is an issue in many towns and cities and it is something that we are determined to tackle here in Darlington, with the help of our partners and the community.

“We have seen a spike in incidents during December, and particularly during the festive holidays, and we want to reassure local residents and visitors to the town centre that we are aware of the problems and are work with our partners to deal with them.

“We would also warn those involved that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We want to make sure people feel safe coming into Darlington and to make the town centre as welcoming as it can be. This was a problem with a small number of people and we would stress that Darlington continues to be a safe town, but we will of course continue to work together to tackle any further issues as and when they arise.”

Durham Police Inspector Chris Knox, safeguarding and neighbourhoods inspector, said: “Over the last few weeks there has been a recent spike in incidents of anti-social behaviour within the town centre and partners are working to identify those responsible and take appropriate action.

“The police wold urge parents to take responsibility for the actions of their children, making sure they are aware of where they are and who they are associating with and what they are doing.”

For more information about the work of the council’s anti-social behaviour team log onto the website at www.darlington.gov.uk/your-council/policing/anti-social-behaviour

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour can call Durham Police on 101, report issues on the council’s website at www.darlington.gov.uk or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.