POLICE have launched a crack down on vandalism, graffiti and antisocial behaviour in a New Forest village.

Groups of hooligans have been descending on Sway, intimidating residents and causing damage to buildings and cars.

The village has always suffered from a certain amount of low-level disorder but the problem has escalated in recent weeks.

Sgt Dave Tanner said: "In response to previous damage in Sway, high visibility patrols have been manned both by the police and community safety officers.

"Evidence is being gathered and five antisocial behaviour contract referrals have been made to the Community Safety Partnership."

The contracts are agreed by the young person and their family and set down certain conditions that must be met for a fixed period.

If they are broken, the youngster may face an antisocial behaviour order that can ban them completely from a certain area.

Police confirmed that three of the referrals were made last week.

Sgt Tanner added: "Police will continue to work with the Community Safety Partnership and members of the local community to make the streets of the New Forest a safer place to live, work and socialise."

Barry Rickman, deputy leader of New Forest District Council and vice- chairman of Sway Parish Council, said: "The police have responded well and there has been a lot more police presence in the last week. It was mindless vandalism caused by a disruptive element from outside the village."

New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne said concerned constituents had made him aware of the recent troubles.

"I have had a rumbling in the post bag over the last month or so from people in Sway writing in and saying, 'Why aren't the police doing anything about it?' said Mr Swayne.

"I am aware, and they are aware. Whether they have the resources to deal with it is something I am deeply sceptical about. They do the best job they can but are hamstrung by having far too few police officers."

In a recent incident vandals smashed three windows at Sway Youth Club, causing £300 damage.