A TRAILBLAZING new scheme in Weymouth to crack down on antisocial behaviour is paying off, a police chief said today.

Inspector Tony Rudd said Operation Bridge, which extends from Portland to Preston and aims to deter people from following a life of crime, was helping to settle youngsters into good habits.

His comments came following a meeting between agencies to discuss crime and disorder.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight met with representatives from Weymouth and Portland Housing, the borough council and Dorset Police to talk about ways of tackling problems like loud music, vandalism and drunkenness.

Insp Rudd said: "One of the main problems in reducing antisocial behaviour is the reluctance of witnesses to give evidence. With Operation Bridge we seek to take action even though no one has put themselves forward as a witness."

Initially police write to individuals suspected of causing trouble and invite them, and their parents, to a meeting. Their behaviour is discussed and police remind them about their responsibilities.

Anyone ignoring this warning will be told they are being considered for an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) which imposes conditions. Breaching a contract could land a person in a magistrates' court when they could be made the subject of an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO).

Since Christmas, when Operation Bridge was launched, 80 people had been invited to a meeting. Five of those have been brought to the police's attention again, while three are being considered for an ABC.

Insp Rudd said the scheme, which is aimed at children aged ten years and up, was making an impression, but he appealed to people to continue to report problems of antisocial behaviour.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight said a new antisocial behaviour law going through Parliament would give the police greater powers when dealing with offenders, allowing them to issue on-the- spot fines.

Mr Knight praised the housing company, police and borough council for working together to tackle antisocial behaviour and said he was doing his bit in Parliament to try and help the borough.