MONTHS of vandalism, theft and anti-social behaviour at a derelict office block look likely to end after its owners pledged to rid the site of crime.

A 3m high fence will be erected around Hopetown House, in Brinkburn Road, Darlington, ahead of its demolition later this year.

The emergency services fear the building is becoming increasingly dangerous as thieves continue to steal anything of worth from the building, which used to house the administrative section of Whessoe Engineering.

In the past week, scrap-hunters have plundered the 300-office building of its aluminium window frames and copper piping, arsonists have set fire to the building and gangs of youths have had to be moved on by police.

After coming under pressure from police, the fire service, Darlington Borough Council and residents, the owners of Hopetown House, Belfast-based property firm Aldburn, will secure the site against trespassers.

At a site visit held yesterday afternoon, Barry Pearson, the council's environmental health manager, was joined by representatives from all the concerned parties.

Mr Pearson said: "Environmental health services has served a notice requiring the owners to make secure both buildings.

"They have looked at the best way to deal with this problem and have decided to board-up the whole site."

All groups represented at the site visit welcomed the news.

Councillor Nick Wallis, the council's cabinet member for health and leisure, said: "I'm pleased to see the owners are engaging with us," he said.

"It has been completely unacceptable as far as the community is concerned. I would like to ask parents if they know where their children are. This is a dangerous building where organised criminals are at work."

Andy Bruce, assistant district manager at Darlington Fire Station, said: "Every deliberate fire costs the public £2,000 and this building is a magnet for deliberate fires."

Police Inspector Caroline Dawson said: "We will respond to any incident here and if it's happening as the call comes in, it will be a blue light response.

"But no officers will be going inside unless it's a life and death situation."

Work will begin on the fence on Monday, April 28. The highest metre of the fence will be covered with anti-climb paint, a greasy substance that never sets.