Evening Gazette editor Steve Dyson joined tough talking Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon to address a local crime conference.

The newspaper has recently won two separate battles to name young offenders handed anti-social behaviour orders, arguing it was in the public interest to do so.

And the naming and shaming of young offenders was a hot topic at the two-day Tees Valley Youth Offending Service conference.

One discussion focused on the role the media could play in reassuring the public over crime.

Steve told the meeting: “The Evening Gazette has constantly fought during the last few months to name youngsters who are subject to, or breach, ASBOs.

“We believe to do so is crucial both for the effectiveness of such orders, and for the confidence of the public that something is being done about youth crime.

“Such is the fear and perception of crime these days, that such orders would have no meaning or relevance to locals if those who deliberately and consistently create a nuisance, cause fear or commit crime were not named, if their misdemeanours were not held up to public scrutiny.”

One of the two youngsters named recently was responsible for driving 20 people from their homes in a spate of anti-social behaviour.

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