POLICE began an anti-social behaviour crackdown this week, focusing on Bordon's problem areas such as the Forest Centre.

The move to blitz anti-social behaviour came after the success of a previous, similar police campaign in May last year.

Officers carried out an environmental visual audit this week to record any problems and see how the situation could be improved. They are hoping to follow their findings with a Crime Reduction Environment Week (CREW) in March, focusing on the Forest Centre.

Members of the East Hampshire Community Safety Partnership, including council officers and police, visited the Forest Centre to see how the town could benefit from the initiative.

The shopping precinct was selected because officers thought it could benefit from environmental improvements and a greater focus on the needs and safety of the local community. 

EHDC, Drum Housing Association, the probation service, Bordon fire station and local schools will all play a part in the coming CREW.

Kevin Francis, chief officer at Bordon fire station, said his team were hoping to help out clearing the litter at the back of the fire station.

Sara Chivers, of Drum Housing, said: "There are many overgrown grassy areas full of rubbish. Clearing those would definitley improve the look of the area."

James Ingram, crime reduction and architectural liaison officer, said the use of CCTV footage taken at night would be helpful.

Normally CREWs are only carried out in one area at a time, but the partnership has this time opted to carry out mini CREWs, over three or four days.

CREWs involve a whole range of agencies visiting the selected area to work together to find solutions to crime and environmental problems. During CREWs, police carry out high visibility patrols and tackle anti-social behaviour.  

Offenders with community service orders are put to work clearing up areas where there is graffiti, litter and fly posting, while local authorities arrange for bulky items and abandoned vehicles to be removed. 

Local education services assist by checking on school truants, and trading standards officers offer advice to shops and check that shops and off- licences are not illegally selling alcohol, cigarettes or fireworks to underage children. Local voluntary groups, clubs and schools are also encouraged to be involved in planning CREWs. 

The housing estate around the Forest Centre has already benefited from one CREW event last May, but police say over time the area has started to return to its original condition. This time police and partners are hoping to be able to achieve more sustainable results. 

Sergeant Rik Grant, from Whitehill Police Station, said: "CREWs are a great opportunity because they give communities the chance to start again with a clean slate. 

"The Forest Centre was the site of the first CREW in this area and it certainly benefited from the initiative. However, since that first event, we have learned more about how we can sustain the results over a longer period. 

"This time we want to get local people involved early in the process and encourage them to set up their own schemes and initiatives, with support from us, to keep the momentum going.  

"One of the best ways in which people can help to keep their environment clean and safe is by joining or setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme. I'd be very keen to hear from anyone who would like to assist with the CREW or who wants to find out more about how they can take control and help beat crime and anti-social behaviour in their area." 

East Hampshire District Council's portfolio holder for community safety, Hilary Ayer, said: "CREW events are an excellent example of how agencies can work in partnership to really improve the local area and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

"A wide range of partners will be involved and we will be liaising closely with the public in the coming weeks to recruit volunteers."

Businesses, voluntary organisations or members of the public who want to get involved or who have views on what should be tackled during the CREWs, should contact Sergeant Karen Fisher at North Walls Police Station on 0845 045 45 45 or Sharon Bendry on 01730 234342.

Audits and regular meetings will be held for partner agencies and members of the community to help coordinate activity.