POLICE in Bishop's Waltham are using a zero tolerance policy to crack down on vandalism and graffiti, it was revealed at a special meeting.

The new approach was outlined to scores of residents who packed the village's Jubilee Hall to hear how crime is being fought.

It comes hot on the heels of a judge banning a serial troublemaker from entering some parts of the village.

Victoria Tunnicliffe, 26, was hit with an antisocial behaviour order last month for slashing tyres, arson, assaulting police officers and harassment.

It is this sort of behaviour that Bishop's Waltham Inspector Shaun Moore is trying to eradicate.

He said: "We have got a zero tolerance approach to vandalism and graffiti.

"It raises perceptions in people that crime is high when it is actually not.

"Antisocial behaviour has been an issue in Bishop's Waltham which we have invested resources in and had some success.

"We have recently arrested a couple of youths who are responsible for a number of offences in the village."

Villagers filled in questionnaires on policing and their views will be taken into account to formulate next year's police plan.

County councillor Peter Mason, who sits on the police authority board, hopes the innovative consultation scheme will reflect the views of all members of society.

He said: "We have to consult with the public but we have changed the way we do this.

"It used to be that people we spoke to were very middle aged and middle England."

Now consultation is being done in youth clubs, by approaching people in the street and in a variety of organisations to get a true cross-section.

Cllr Mason added: "It's our police force and we want to hear the views of the good people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We want them to tell us what the police should be doing."