THE long arm of the law is reaching out to people whose pets are messing up a North-East town's streets.
All 24 of Middlesbrough's police community support officers (PCSOs) have been given powers to issue £50 penalty notices to anyone seen dropping litter in the street or failing to clean up after their dog.
Up to this week, fines have only been issued by Middlesbrough Council street wardens.
Police Inspector Charlie Bell, of Middlesbrough police community safety department, said: "We welcome these additional powers, which will be used with a common sense approach and with discretion by our PCSOs.
"At the end of the day, litter and dog fouling affect quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors, so I'd urge people in our communities to co-operate with police and other organisations to keep their area clean, tidy and safe.''
Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council executive member for law and order, said: "Dropping litter and dog fouling are not just anti-social - they are against the law.''
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