A BLITZ on yobs launched today aims to reclaim our streets and restore pride in Swindon. With anti-social behaviour being flagged-up as one of the town's key concerns, the Adver is backing a drive to bring fresh hope to neighbourhoods plagued by louts.

Swindon is one of 25 towns to be selected for a pilot shop-a-yob hotline.

It's Your Call aims to help crime-fighters stamp out the kind of anti-social antics which splinter communities and shatter lives.

Those causing nuisance behaviour, ranging from gang-fuelled disorder, graffiti and vandalism to drug dealing and prostitution, are being targeted.

The line is being launched today by Louise Casey, who spearheads the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit at the Home Office.

Ms Casey will visit Freshbrook to hear how crime-busting initiatives have improved the neighbourhood.

She said: "The public know to call 999 for a major crime, but often don't know what to do when they feel threatened by a gang every other night of the week.

"Everyone may know a neighbour from hell, or someone who is abandoning cars, but not do anything about them.

"It's Your Call encourages people who don't take responsibly to see they have a role to play."

Although crime is down in Swindon, fear of being a victim continues to grow.

But only a small number of offenders are responsible for the problem.

And the evidence shows that problems can be tackled with the public's help.

"The anti-social behaviour of a few can blight an entire neighbourhood," said Ms Casey.

"Ten years ago people were worried about unemployment, burglary or paying the mortgage. Now, they worry about their quality of life and it gets people down."

Formed two years ago, the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit has overseen several initiatives to hammer yobs and improve community safety.

Ms Casey travels the country hearing about problems, and believes lack of respect is to blame.

"We've lost our sense of respect and people who break the rules are seen to be getting away with it," she said. "The other day I visited Leeds and was struck by the behaviour of two boys of 12 and 14 who were totally out of control. Youths like this cannot be allowed to get away with it.

"We want people to take a stand and help restore faith and pride in their community."

A publicity campaign is being run to highlight the hotline, and leaflets will be delivered in the coming weeks.

Ms Casey is delighted the Adver has chosen to back the phoneline, saying: "Your readers are exactly the sort of people who are likely to take a stand."

It's Your Call is being run as part of Swindon's Together Action initiative.

The town was selected as a Together Action area because of its record on fighting yobs.

Over the next two weeks, we will be running a series of articles looking at the effect of anti-social behaviour.

What you should do

The hotline 0845 605 2222 is for reports of:

Rowdy behaviour and gangs

Intimidation and harassment

Litter, rubbish and fly-tipping

Graffiti and vandalism

Abandoned vehicles

Nuisance neighbours

Begging and street drinking

Crackhouses and drug dealing

Prostitution

Call will be answered by Swindon's crime and disorder team. Besides needing details of problems, they want to know about the culprits.

Names, addresses and descriptions will help nail offenders and prevent future problems.

While they would prefer callers leave their names and contact details, information can be left anonymously.

Once action is taken, feedback cards will be sent to residents explaining what steps have been taken.

Call are charged at local rates.

Tamash Lal