VANDAL WATCH: THEY are the people at the forefront of the campgain against the vandalism and anti-social behaviour which is engulfing parts of Swindon.

Together they make up the Crime and Disorder Team at Swindon Council.

The team, together with the police, was responsible for persuading town magistrates to issue an interim Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) against 13-year-old Liam Walsh last week.

The order bans Walsh, of Corsham Road, Penhill, from areas of his neighbourhood where he is alleged to have been causing trouble.

He must also observe a nightime curfew.

Walsh must attend court again on July 17, when magistrates will consider whether to issue a full ASBO.

But besides working on ASBOs, the team which was set up using legislation in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 is tackling crime in a variety of other ways. These range from improving youth facilities to getting the council to improve street lighting to cut the fear of crime.

In recent months, many parts of Swindon have been hit by a plague of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Incidents include youths scaring readers away from Penhill Library, vandals attacking play equipment in Haydon Wick and youths vandalising sheds on allotments at Rodbourne Cheney.

Vandals have also repeatedly targeted Pinehurst Community Centre, causing damage running into thousands of pounds.

Police were unable to provide the Advertiser with the latest youth crime figures.

Sue Tilley, who heads the team, based at Premier House, said: "The Crime and Disorder Act gave local authorities and the police greater powers to address anti-social behaviour and to prevent offending.

"It's really about getting different bodies to work together to solve problems.

"For example, if we are dealing with youngsters who have been given a warning by police for anti-social behaviour, we can get youth workers involved to try and get them involved in leisure activities."

In order to tackle problems, it is vital that the team works closely with the community.

Insp Simon Dicks, who is the link between the team and the police, said: "To fight crime, it is vital that we have the input of the people we serve.

"Our aim is to improve the lives of people in Swindon, but we can't do that without the help of the community."