A DEPLOYABLE camera has been installed as part of a measure to reduce crime in a town centre trouble hotspot.

The Safer Hambleton Hub, run by Hambleton District Council, is hoping the new deployable camera will combat anti-social behaviour in Thirsk.

The equipment is part of a network of linked cameras which are used across North Yorkshire in Northallerton, Bedale and Stokesley town centre's.

The camera is being funded by Thirsk Town Council, who believe the Millgate area of the town is a 'particular' hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Mark Robson, leader of Hambleton District Council, said: “Despite all our measures there is more that local people can do to help the fight.

“We urge people to always report incidents that they see.

"We have seen an increase in people complaining about anti social behaviour on social media, but not reporting it to the Police.

"A quick call to 101 will ensure that an incident is recorded correctly and then we can build a realistic picture of what is happening, where and when.”

In 2010, Hambleton District Council, who look after the district including Thirsk, raised concerns it had over anti-social behaviour in the town.

A dispersal order was created which meant people whose actions "caused distress", "or intimidation to others," would be moved on from the specific dispersal zone for 24-hours, or face a jail term of up to three-months.

The dispersal order covered Thirsk's Market Place, St James' Green, Stammergate, Finkle Street, Bridge Street, Kirkgate, Newsham Road, Masonic Lane and Millgate. It originally ran for six months.

At the beginning of 2018, Richmond Town Council announced it would install three deployable cameras within the town centre – the town council was awarded £21,110 to fund the cameras.