POLICE launched a campaign in Middlesbrough at the weekend in an attempt to cut down on the number of youths causing havoc with fireworks in the run-up to bonfire night.
Calls to police usually increase at this time of year, but more than 40 officers - including the mounted section - patrolled housing estates to reassure residents.
The extra patrols were also a follow-up to Operation Hawk, which was carried out earlier in the month, when more than 300 youngsters were spoken to by officers about their behaviour.
A further 21 were arrested during the operation for a variety of offences, including robbery and drugs.
Inspector Gary Gamesby, who heads the town's operational support unit, said: "I want to reassure residents that this will be ongoing over a number of weekends, including the traditionally busy bonfire weekend, in an effort to crack down on the nuisance caused by youngsters at this time of year.
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