A CLAMPDOWN on antisocial behaviour has been launched on a Southampton estate by encouraging residents to shop yobs anonymously.

Hundreds of forms have been delivered to people's homes on Northam Estate to let them report crimes without fear of recriminations.

The initiative has been launched by the area's tenants' and residents' association and the city council following a surge in incidents in recent months.

City patrol officers and police have also stepped up their presence on the estate.

Earlier this week the Daily Echo revealed how blocks of flats were regularly being plunged into darkness by youths tampering with power supplies.

Residents have also reported a rise in the number of drug dealers and prostitutes.

Dawn Humphries, secretary of Northam Tenants' and Residents' Association, said: "We have spoken to residents who told us that they were happy to forward information but didn't want to go through the court process or be named.

"On the form they can give details of any incidents from someone spitting to dealing drugs and intimidating people walking past.

"The form will go to the city council's safety team and the police. We have been working alongside both organisations."

Residents say the recent wave of antisocial behaviour has been caused by gangs of youths from across the city congregating on Northam Parade.

A city council spokesman said several harassment warning orders and anti-social behaviour contracts had been issued to youths.

They added: "These are having a positive impact on improving the behaviour of certain individuals. However, both the council and the police need the community to speak up and, working in partnership with the Northam Tenants' and Residents' Association, the council has produced a special form that has been delivered to every household to enable residents to pass on information anonymously."

Councillor Liz Mizon, Cabinet member for communities & regeneration, said: "I am reassured to know that the Northam tenants and residents are doing what they can to encourage people with information about the perpetrators to help, even anonymously.

"Only when the whole community work with the city council and the police will we see improvements."