SHOP a troublemaker. That's the message from Romsey police who are urging town residents to name problem youngsters - to help the crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Scores of leaflets will be sent out to homeowners in nuisance hotspots.

The town's police boss has said: "We are not asking residents to do our job for us."

However, he insists that without more information, police can't tackle the problem.

The Pubwatch scheme has allied publicans with police in a fight against drunken crime. Officers are hoping this multi-agency approach can also beat anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Peter Funnell, boss of Romsey police station, said: "We do need people to provide us with information and, in some cases, be prepared to make a witness statement about what they have seen.

"In most cases it is local youths who congregate together and whose behaviour creates this disruption.

"We now ask local people to notify us about those involved otherwise we face a real difficulty in dealing with the problem.

"We are not asking residents to do our job for us but to be prepared to make a stand against something which is impacting upon a considerable number of people.

"The police cannot address the problems without the co-operation of the community."

Information leaflets have been sent to residents in known hotspots, explaining how they can work with police and contact their beat bobby directly.

Insp Funnell added: "We can understand why there is a reluctance for some people to provide information to the police.

"But without supporting evidence or people who are prepared to make a stand, the police face an uphill struggle to turn the situation around."

He emphasised that every call would be treated sensitively - and that, even though police may not be able to attend a scene, residents should still alert them.

"Every call is important as it provides us with valuable information to build a true and accurate picture of how bad an area may be affected," he said.

Anyone with information to help the fight against neighbourhood nuisance should call Romsey police on 0845 045 4545.

Alternatively, dial the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline, 0800 555 111.