Romsey'S police chief has called on the public to play a vital role in stamping out yobbish behaviour in the community.

Inspector Peter Funnell's initiative involves getting people to report bad behaviour to the police.

It follows the success of the town centre Pubwatch scheme in which publicans have joined forces with the police to clampdown on drunks and anti-social behaviour.

During the latest crackdown officers will be targeting the outlying areas of Romsey and district. North Baddesley and the Woodley area of Romsey are well-known trouble spots for yobbish behaviour.

Inspector Funnell, said: "We hope to make a significant impact on improving the situation, but we do need people to provide us with information and in some cases be prepared to make a witness statement about what they have seen. In most cases it is local youths who congregate together and whose behaviour creates this disruption. We now ask local people to notify us of those involved as without it, we face real difficulty in dealing with the problem."

He added: "We are already aware of 'hotspots,' where antisocial behaviour is occurring and residents living in those areas will be receiving an information flier from us explaining how we can work together in finding long-term sustainable solutions to the problems. Information about who their police officer is will be included."

The inspector said it was vital people made a stand against the troublemakers.

"We can understand why there is a reluctance for some people to provide information to the police but without supporting evidence or people who are prepared to make the stand, the police face an uphill struggle to turn the situation around.

"Every call will be treated sensitively and discreetly. Residents should also be aware that we may not be able to respond every time we receive a call from them, but they should not be deterred from phoning us. Every call is important as it provides us with valuable information to build a true and accurate picture of how bad an area may be affected," said Inspector Funnell.

Anyone with information is asked to call Romsey police on 08450454545 or dial Southern Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.

A GRANADA TV cameraman will be recording an episode of the company's forthcoming Crime Fighters series in Romsey this evening (Friday). He will be shadowing the town's police officers during late-night shopping. A Hampshire police spokesman said Romsey was chosen partly because success of town centre Pubwatch scheme set up by Sergeant Barbara Hardcastle.