A MAJOR crackdown on anti-social behaviour begins in the New Forest on New Year's Day. County council appointed accredited community safety officers will issue fixed penalty notices to litterbugs and people who daub graffiti, fly-post and those who allow their dogs to foul public places.

Cyclists will not escape the wrath of officers issuing the £50 fixed penalties either. Those caught riding on pavements and footpaths will suffer the same fate.

Hampshire's ACSOs have been patrolling the Forest area for a month but the campaign will be stepped up with the issue of fixed penalties. Officers will also have the powers to confiscate booze and cigarettes from under age children and the authority to remove abandoned vehicles.

Hampshire's leader Ken Thornber said: "We introduced the Community Safety Service in response to research with Hampshire residents which found that fear of crime was a big issue for many people.

"Our ACSOs have worked hard over the last month to ensure people are aware of the role of this new service. They have a fairly soft approach concentrating on integrating with the communities that they patrol and ensuring that people are given notice of their powers. In the New Year they will be taking a much harder line and making their presence strongly felt amongst those who commit acts of anti-social behaviour.

"Tackling crime is a key priority for the county council and I am sure our accredited community safety officers will help curb anti-social behaviour. Their presence will go along way towards providing reassurance to local residents who have identified fear of crime as one of their main concerns."

Community safety officers have also been deployed by Hampshire County Council in the Basingstoke, Gosport and Havant areas.