A CRACKDOWN on troublemakers was launched today.

Early morning police raids and knocks on the doors of offenders wanted by the courts marked the start of a week-long blitz on Middlesbrough's Pallister Park.

Police and housing officials are focusing on outstanding drug and crime warrants.

Officers from Cleveland Police are also using a detention van to hold law-breaking youngsters caught carrying out anti-social behaviour, while their parents are summoned to collect them.

Parents will be asked to sign Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.

A court-backed dispersal order, banning the gathering of intimidating groups of young people around the estate, is also being introduced.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Beverley Gill said: "Antisocial behaviour is still very high on the agenda for residents of east Middlesbrough.

"This multi-agency response is what the community has asked for. We are determined to give a show of strength to demonstrate that we do listen to what householders tell us and, more importantly, that we do something about it."

People living on the estate have complained of rising problems of anti-social behaviour and police have teamed up with various partners, including Middlesbrough Borough Council and social landlord Erimus Housing to tackle the issue.

Meanwhile, another tactic is being used on another housing estate in the same town.

Tomorrow sees the start of Respect Week on Middlesbrough's Easterside estate, with a programme of activities aimed at getting a serious messages across to young children in a fun way.

Ten and 11-year-olds will be told about the problems of removing graffiti and chewing gum after taking part in a litter-pick.

Anti-social behaviour and fire safety will be other key themes.

The scheme includes a Who Wants To Be a Fire Safety Millionaire quiz, followed by a game of tag rugby and a fun It's A Knockout session. Prizes will be given out. There will also be visits by police dog handlers, police horses, motorcycles and traffic cars and a tour of Middlesbrough Fire Station.

Joanne Russell, a neighbourhood safety officer with Middlesbrough Council, said: "We hope to get the youngsters thinking about how their behaviour affects their environment and each other, and to encourage them to have respect.

"We hope to reinforce the messages they are given in school, and in doing so reduce the amount of crime and anti-social behaviour that neighbourhoods often suffer.''