A CRACKDOWN on town centre crime has been launched in Middlesbrough.

The emphasis will be on anti-social behaviour and includes a zero tolerance approach to litter dropping and swearing.

A police team dedicated to patrolling the town centre was unveiled yesterday.

Supported by closed-circuit television cameras, they will join police community support officers, Middlesbrough Council's street warden and parking wardens in high profile patrols.

There will be daily intelligence sharing meetings. Officers from Cleveland Fire Brigade will also carry out weekly walk-abouts with the council's street clean-up squad.

Police Inspector Guy Hall said: "The launch now is with the theme of regeneration of the town centre.

"There is a lot of interest in the Middlehaven development.

"It is important the right perceptions of Middlesbrough are made in order to attract investment, to encourage visitors to the town, to encourage people who work and reside in the town centre, and to ensure public confidence.''

Acting Superintendent Sue Coates said: "Having a dedicated team means we can bring community policing tactics to the retail heart of the town.

"We want shoppers and visitors to feel safe whilst they are in the town centre and also ensure that they are not bothered by beggars and people causing a general nuisance and that the streets themselves are free from litter and dirt."

She said: "We are determined that Middlesbrough will continue to grow as a visitor-friendly centre and that the regeneration of former rundown areas develops into a town the region can be proud of."

Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety and leisure with Middlesbrough Council, said: "The town centre is the engine room of the local economy so it is essential that we make it safe and welcoming to visitors, and or course, for our own residents.''

The initiative has at its heart Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon's vision for a safer and cleaner centre.

As a detective superintendent, Mr Mallon was the first to introduce US-style zero tolerance policing techniques to Britain.