THE Mayor of Middlesbrough, former "Robocop" Ray Mallon, returns to an all too familiar subject next month.

The ex-detective superintendent, who last autumn launched a Raising Hope and Reducing Fear initiative in the town, is to be a guest speaker at the University of Teesside.

Mr Mallon, who plans to put 90 wardens on the streets backed by a problem and trend plotting computer database, will comment on an exhibition exploring the fear of crime.

Middlesbrough Council's arts development team, in partnership with the university, worked with residents on the project to demonstrate the impact of crime on lives.

Recordings of the project will be discussed, in Mr Mallon's presence, on February 6.