Special measures are being taken to reduce arson attacks on derelict houses on Teesside. About 150 homes have been earmarked for demolition in the South Bank area of Middlesbrough. In the past such houses have been a target for vandals.
In an effort to reduce temptation, the buildings are being boarded up as soon as they are empty and items of value stripped out.
Posters are then put up warning that there is nothing inside worth stealing.
Anti-social behaviour
Police, the fire service and Redcar and Cleveland Council have teamed up for the scheme which will also see community police support officers stepping up their patrols in the area.
Tony Churchill, Grangetown's station manager said: "When houses are left unoccupied, it tempts people in, creates anti-social behaviour and encourages arsonists.
"Last year in Grangetown we had a bit of a problem where they would take radiators, floorboards, cables and pipes - anything that could be resold.
"What we are hoping is that people will see there is nothing of value to take, and that will stop the initial break-in.
"We are going to analyse exactly how successful this scheme is, and if it works we will tell our neighbouring boroughs and hopefully they will follow our lead."
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