A TASKFORCE to crack down on yobs in Fareham has launched a new strategy to stamp out vandalism.

The Vandalism Taskforce, which brings together police and council chiefs, has given the go-ahead for new projects to cut the cost of damage by vandals.

The council's volunteer warden scheme is to be extended to parks in a bid to curb criminal damage.

A neighbourhood against vandalism project in which community leaders, schools and police join forces to tackle vandalism hot spots is also set to be launched.

The move follows reported savings to taxpayers of £23,000 on the cost of repairs to vandalised council property in the last year - down to £32,000 from £55,000 in the previous year.

We reported last month that the hefty saving was being linked solely to the hard work of the taskforce.

Civic chief Councillor Sean Woodward, also chairman of the Vandalism Task Force, said: "I am pleased that the cost to residents of repairing vandalised council car parks, buildings and public areas has fallen, but it is still considered to be too high.

"We are widening the partnership's anti-vandal net wider and will be calling upon communities across the borough to work with us to help make people feel ever safer in their own neighbourhoods."

Fareham police's Insp Simon Wrigglesworth, added: "Working together as a partnership and involving communities is the way forward.

"The rise in damage crime has been brought to a stop in Fareham. The real challenge facing us all is to reduce it."

Vandalism and criminal damage can be reported by visiting www.fareham.gov.uk and completing the online form, sending text and photo messages to 07876 131415 or calling police on 0845 045 4545 or the council on 01329 236100.