HAND-PICKED patrols are being launched to protect lives and property across Teesside in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Police, firefighters and council officials are identifying hot-spots for illegal bonfires and vandals - and homing in to record what they see on cameras.

One weapon in their joint arsenal is a dedicated van bristling with CCTV cameras.

Evening patrols in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar will operate throughout Halloween and in the week leading up to November 5 - including Mischief Night - as part of a strategy to keep people safe and the number of fires and arson attacks, down.

The patrolling van, which is owned by Cleveland Police, has already been in operation, touring Teesside, during the school half-term holiday week.

Lol Craven, arson task force manager for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "Partners on patrol will be on the lookout for anyone building or setting fire to illegal bonfires. They will work together to identify and remedy potential risks to safety and any anti-social behaviour."

Chief Inspector Andy McDyer, of Cleveland Police, said: "We have provided a patrol vehicle for the bonfire strategy partnership which is equipped with CCTV cameras. Anyone caught on camera behaving illegally will be identified and dealt with accordingly."

Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community safety, said: "Our environment services are working with police and firefighters to clean up potential fire risks, and trading standards officers are ensuring responsible retailing of fireworks.''

The joint patrols have their sights on reducing the number of firework and bonfire-related incidents and to deter anti-social behaviour and illegal sales of fireworks.

Their advice is that people who want to celebrate Bonfire Night, should attend organised fireworks displays.