A PRIVATE security company says night-time patrols in the Coatham Mundeville and Harrowgate Hill areas of Darlington have been a success.
Sparta Security began the patrols last week, with dog teams responding to calls from residents concerned about thieves.
One client, who did not want to be named, said: “This scheme has been wanted here for some time and my property backs onto farmland where intruders have trespassed frequently.”
Sparta managing director Francis Jones said: “Residents are calling up all the time and the more residents call in, the more pairs of eyes can be on the streets."
In January, Sparta launched its Street Saints team of volunteers patrolling churches in the area.
The company also provided security on the development of a Travelodge in Yarm Road.
No materials have been reported stolen from the development, which has been ongoing for the past eight months.
Mr Jones, a former professional boxer, has attracted national attention for his business, which launched its private patrols in 2010 in an effort to cut anti-social behavior and crime in the town.
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