CONFIDENTIAL hotlines like Crimestoppers, which are used to give tip-offs about those committing crimes have proved successful in helping police track down criminals.

And the Advertiser-backed Swindon Drugs Hotline has already received more than 100 calls in the two months since it was launched. Calls to this line have led to several convictions and given police vital information to target drug dealers.

Now Swindon Council has launched its own phoneline so householders can shop vandals and youths causing havoc in their neighbourhoods through their anti-social behaviour.

The council's Crime and Disorder Team wants the public to pass on the names and addresses of persistent trouble-makers.

They will then investigate all the tip-offs but only take action if there is strong evidence against the youths.

Those whose behaviour is serious may find themselves facing the risk of being the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), which the council can apply for through the civil courts.

These have powers to ban trouble- makers from certain areas, impose curfews and prevent them harassing named individuals.

Two ASBOs have been taken out in Highworth and Swindon against youths causing havoc to their neighbours.

Criminal activity should still be reported to the police.

It makes sense to involve those who are suffering in their community and who know who the miscreants are in ridding their areas of the problem.