POCKET-sized technology is the latest weapon to be deployed against yobs in one Hampshire village.

In the first scheme of its kind in Hampshire, businesses in Hythe have joined forces to stamp out antisocial behaviour and shoplifting - with pagers.

They will use the electronic devices to warn each other within minutes if troublemakers are spotted in the area.

Hythe was dubbed "Dodge City" by police chiefs in an operation to crackdown on antisocial behaviour last summer.

Residents claimed the reference to America's Wild West gave the wrong impression but police stressed the choice of name was "purely incidental" and was no reflection on crime levels.

Ironically the pager, which was once favoured by drug dealers to make connections, will now be used to fight crime.

Members of Hythe's "Citywatch" group will alert one another of suspicious individuals or groups, by ringing a number and dictating a message to an operator.

The message is then sent out to the pagers in written form, warning remaining members and asking them to be aware.

Twenty companies from the Hythe business Partnership have been given pagers as part of the pilot scheme.

It is expected to be rolled out to Ringwood and New Milton in coming months.

Businesses in Southampton have also expressed an interest.

Geoffrey Gook, pictured, who runs a gents' outfitters in High Street, said: "There are a number of small businesses where people work on their own which tend to be more vulnerable to theft or harassment. This will let us alert neighbouring shops of any problem. It will enhance the security of businesses in Hythe."

The Hythe scheme has been funded by £2,100 from the New Forest Community Safety Partnership.

Paul French from the partnership, said: "Shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses are able to continue their day-to-day activity of attending to the genuine customer, while keeping a watchful eye over the potential offender," he said.

He said unlike CCTV which monitors and records crime the paging scheme helps prevent it by making all members instantly aware of potential shoplifters, potential walk-in thieves or the proximity of recognised antisocial offenders.

Mr French said the partnership was hoping to win a Home Office safer business award.

The idea of using pagers, which pre-date mobile phone technology, was first introduced in Covent Garden in London in 1991, where it proved very successful.

Any businesses wanting to join the Hythe Business Partnership Citywatch group should contact Paul French on 01425 638483 or e-mail citywatch@taylorlocks.co.uk.