A CLAMPDOWN on anti- social behaviour to restore a beleaguered community's faith in law and order is targeting drug dealers, arsonists and truants.

Operation Pride, a week- long Cleveland Police campaign, is focusing on the boarded-up houses in South Bank, to eradicate the growing problem.

The local community had called on the force to restore order as the young tear- aways started to cause vandalism their area.

The operation includes raids on suspected drug dealers, truancy sweeps, crushing untaxed or abandoned vehicles, and a tour of public houses to address binge drinking and violence. Cleveland Fire Brigade will be raising awareness of the dangers of empty properties.

Acting Inspector Mike Cane said: "This is an intensive operation to remove the community's fear of crime.

"We are targeting anti- social behaviour - especially in areas where there are a number of boarded-up properties - to help bring the problem under control.

"The residents approached us with their concerns and this operation is just about helping put a bit of pride back in their community."

Earlier in the week, as well as executing warrants for known suspects, the force was targeting untaxed vehicles and drug dealers.

Acting Insp Cane high-lighted the empty houses as one a major cause of the problems.

"The empty and boarded-up houses suffer a lot from vandalism with kids hanging around," he said.

"This results in a lot of calls to the police and raises the fear of crime for the residents. Many people feel uneasy when they meet gangs of youths hanging around when they are walking through these empty streets."

Councillor Chris Abbott, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for housing, said there was a delay in the demolition of the properties.

However, Costa Street and Salisbury Terrace are now ready for demolition.