CRIMINALS are being warned that not only will police be on their trail this summer but also their neighbours, who are being asked to be the eyes and ears of their communities.

Cleveland Police has launched Operation Honeycomb and drawn up a list of people in Middlesbrough, who they believe are responsible for much of the crime in their neighbourhoods.

People living near suspects will receive a leaflet asking for tip-offs via a new information line.

The leaflet asks residents for information about burglars, drug dealers and car criminals, and offers a confidential freephone number, which leads directly to Middlesbrough police station.

Detective Inspector Derek Carter, who is leading the operation, said: "Our message is twofold. Firstly, to those responsible for crime in our communities, your neighbours know who you are and what you are doing.

"They cannot be expected to put up with your activities any more and we are asking them to shop you to us.

"We have a duty to your neighbours, and the community as a whole, and we will be acting on what we are told.

"Secondly, to residents who are sick and tired of crime and the effect it has on their quality of life, contact us, tell us what you know and we will act on the information swiftly and effectively.

"Make your neighbourhood a difficult area for these criminals to continue with their activities or ply their trade.

"By working together we really can make a difference."

Det Insp Carter said that even though criminals may realise they are the focus of the operation and move into other areas, they will still be traced.

He said: "By moving in to other areas criminals are at their weakest and they won't be as confident no one will report their activities. This will put them at a disadvantage.

"Additionally, they won't be familiar with the surroundings, they will have to travel to get there and this alone makes them very likely to face a stop check by patrolling Middlesbrough officers."

Anyone with information can call the freephone number in confidence on 0800 096 4282.