Ref. 29342-55TOOTHILL'S new police officer has promised a zero-tolerance approach to vandals in an attempt to make the village centre safe.

PC Paul Phelps, who started work as the community beat officer for the area last week, intends to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and minor theft.

He is also keeping a close eye on Stratton's experiment with dispersal orders.

An offshoot of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, the orders can be used to move gangs of rowdy youths from a designated area.

PC Phelps said he would consider seeking such an order to cover Toothill's village centre to prevent gangs hanging around the shops and intimidating residents. "The main issue for the community in Toothill is anti-social behaviour," he said.

"There's a perception that it's not a nice place to go to after 9pm and a number of people think it's not safe for their children, which is true.

"Many parents don't want to allow their children out in the evening, because they don't want them to hang around with the problem gangs and also because they don't want them to be bullied or intimidated by them.

"It's not mugging or criminal offences, but low level anti-social behaviour.

"I want people to be able to feel safe walking around the village centre."

Offenders who repeatedly shoplift or commit acts of vandalism will be prosecuted as part of the approach.

There will also be an attempt to increase CCTV coverage in the area.

PC Phelps, 41, who has been an officer for 12 years and spent two years as Penhill's community beat officer before coming to Toothill, said he enjoyed dealing with community issues and keeping in touch with councillors, schools and social services.

Although based at Swindon Police headquarters, he said Toothill would be his priority.

His first move is to get out in the district and meet people and he has appealed for residents to come forward with their concerns.

"The community can help me, and I need to get the community on side to tackle these issues," he said.

The officer intends to hold surgeries from April, on the first Saturday of every month, at Toothill Community Centre from 10am until noon. Anyone with non-emergency concerns can contact him on 01793 528111.

Andy Tate