YOUNG drivers who turned a car park into a dangerous race track are facing prosecution after being captured on CCTV.

Police cracked down after large numbers of youths took over the sea-front site in Redcar, racing cars and motorcycles, drinking, taking drugs and dumping litter.

A five-day operation - code-named Reliant - was set up using a portable CCTV camera, which has resulted in a wealth of evidence being captured on videotape.

The operation will continue throughout the summer, to keep hooligans away from the Majuba car park.

Inspector Jason Dickson, of Redcar police, said: "Our message is simple. Local residents and visitors to Redcar are welcome to use the facilities provided by the local authority at Majuba car park.

"Those who frequent the car park with the intention of behaving in an anti-social or disorderly manner, or who wish to drive their vehicles aggressively and dangerously, are not welcome."

He said the behaviour of some was "outrageous" and could have endangered lives.

"I give them this simple warning: we will be watching, and those found committing offences will be prosecuted.

"Both overt and covert methods to gather evidence will be used to ensure the activities of this minority are brought to the end of the road."

Operation Reliant was set up in conjunction with the Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership.

Police now have enough evidence to prosecute 30 people for more than 45 offences, ranging from littering to dangerous driving.

Officers are now considering installing mobile CCTV in other problem areas in the borough.

investigator looking into pirate taxis told a court yesterday that his home was under guard after a series of attacks.

Timothy Hodgkinson said that his bosses in Middlesbrough, hired a private security firm to do a night watch because paving slabs were hurled through his windows in one incident.

Mr Hodgkinson, a licensing enforcement officer investigating cabs operating in the town without a licence and insurance, said; "There have been numerous incidents of damage to my house.

"The council arranged for a security firm to patrol the area around my home in the middle of the night to protect against attacks."

He said one taxi operator who he prosecuted followed him after work.

Mr Hodgkinson, who has investigated Middlesbrough's illegal cabs since 1997, told Teesside Crown Court that the man threatened him a beating, at Teesside Magistrates Court.

The judge, Mr Justice Holland, who ordered a statement from Mr Hodgkinson said; "I think it is outrageous.

"If that was happening to a police officer we would all be hearing about it. It is a grim story.

"I am appalled to learn that a council officer doing a job particularly important to the public should be subjected to threats, bullying, and have his home damaged by paving stones through the windows. It is as though he is regarded as a legitimate target for abuse."

Taxi operator John Atkinson, 53, of Orchards Way, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, was bound over for 12 months in the sum of £500 yesterday. he was found not guilty of threatening revenge on Mr Hodgkinson before his prosecution at Teesside Magistrates Court on December 7 last year.

YOUNG drivers who turned a car park into a dangerous race track are facing prosecution after being captured on CCTV.

Police cracked down after large numbers of youths took over the sea-front site in Redcar, racing cars and motorcycles, drinking, taking drugs and dumping litter.

A five-day operation - code-named Reliant - was set up using a portable CCTV camera, which has resulted in a wealth of evidence being captured on videotape.

Officers now plan to continue the operation throughout the summer to keep hooligans away from the Majuba car park.

Inspector Jason Dickson, of Redcar Police, said: "Our message is simple. Local residents and visitors to Redcar are welcome to use the facilities provided by the local authority at Majuba car park.

"Those who frequent the car park with the intention of behaving in an anti-social or disorderly manner or who wish to drive their vehicles aggressively and dangerously are not welcome."

He said the behaviour of some was "outrageous" and could have endangered lives.

"I give them this simple warning: we will be watching and those found committing offences will be prosecuted.

"Both overt and covert methods to gather evidence will be used to ensure the activities of this minority are brought to the end of the road."

Operation Reliant was set up in conjunction with Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership.

Police now have enough evidence to prosecute 30 people for more than 45 offences, ranging from littering to dangerous driving.

Officers are considering installing mobile CCTV in other problem areas in the borough.

ends

$P$

$Basket=News Desk

$User=S_STRANG

$Byline=Sam Strangeways

$FileName=rcar