EAST Cleveland's first civilian patrols started pounding the streets last Friday.

The six newly-appointed police community support officers (Pcsos) met Redcar MP Vera Baird and police commander Adrian Roberts on their first round.

The Pcsos, who have completed a three-week training course, will be managed by the district commander and will have the power to issue penalty tickets for dog fouling, litter offences and riding cycles on footpaths as well as being able to seize alcohol and cigarettes from young people.

There will be two Pcsos posted to Eston, two to South Bank and two to East Cleveland, with a further two to be posted to Redcar by April 1. It is hoped there will be a team of 23 Pcsos operating in the district by April next year.

Chief Supt Adrian Roberts, district commander of Langbaurgh police division, said: "The Pcsos will be working within local communities and will provide a highly visible, uniformed presence to tackle nuisance crime and anti-social behaviour throughout the district. They will not replace police officers but will be an additional resource."

Mrs Baird said: "This is a clear devolution of policing power but it is not policing on the cheap. The patrol officers will support the police."