POLICE will be out in force to tackle anti-social behaviour in Hartlepool on Friday (February 1).

As part of Operation Pledge, a police command vehicle will park up at the town’s Oxford Road between 2pm and midnight.

Residents are being invited to speak to officers and staff from a number of partner agencies – including Hartlepool Borough Council - about their concerns regarding anti social behaviour and crime.

PCSO Sarah Keighley-Joyce from the South and Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have carried out a number of Operation Pledge initiatives in this area and they have been successful in helping us to solve local problems.

“The operation empowers people to come forward and let us know about issues in their area and gives us the opportunity to speak to them about what we are doing to tackle these issues at a local level.

"Residents will see an increased police presence in the area and I would urge them to visit the command vehicle.”