HE'S giving up his time for free to patrol the streets of Whiteley in a bid to crack down on crime in the area.

Special constable Dave Crowther, 43, has just taken up the Whiteley beat, where he has lived since 1997, after transferring from Bishop's Waltham. The father of four is also a volunteer youth worker as well as a first responder.

PC Crowther, who is training to be driving instructor, said: "I want to make the community a better place to live in."

He will give up at least 16 hours a month to policing duties and will work alongside beat bobby PC Alan Hiron.

His main aim is to cut down on petty vandalism. He believes the way to do this is by striking up good relationship with local kids. He said: "My initial aim is for members of the community to get to know and see me around.

"But I want to continue the work I am doing at the youth club, to get to know the youngsters and work with them in an attempt to reduce any petty criminal damage.

"Over the last week there was damage caused to one of the Whiteley Parish Council notice boards which many people may consider to be trivial but it will cost a lot of money to replace and represents a significant repair bill for the residents of Whiteley.

"I have got a real feeling for the area having lived here for so long. I know it has a low crime rate and I want to make sure that it stays low."