THE police in York and North Yorkshire have been given funding to recruit 45 community support officers (CSOs) - dubbed "Blunkett's bobbies".

The force will appoint 30 CSOs to help the struggle against litter, graffiti, vandalism and yobbishness as part of a new £41 million scheme.

The Home Office said the new officers would help to reassure members of the public by patrolling the streets.

They will have powers to detain suspects to stop them fleeing a crime scene, issue fixed-penalty notices for nuisance behaviour and confiscate vehicles, alcohol and cigarettes.

It is the first time North Yorkshire Police has recruited CSOs.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "CSOs will complement the work of police officers by focusing on low-level crime and nuisance behaviour which too often undermines public confidence and makes people's lives a misery.

"CSOs already in place have proved a vital resource in providing high-visibility patrols and freeing up officers to tackle more serious crime."

Mr Blunkett said it was important to support police officers by freeing up their time, slashing bureaucracy and allowing them to develop expertise to tackle serious crimes.

He said: "The police cannot win the fight against crime and nuisance behaviour alone - extending the police family will strengthen links with communities."

The Home Secretary said £10 million would help fund the recruitment of 1,233 CSOs across England and Wales.

The remaining £31 million will pay for the existing 1,222 officers, recruited last year.

Updated: 09:57 Saturday, May 03, 2003