EVERY survey on crime comes up with the same solution: people always say they would like to see more bobbies on the beat. From today, that is almost what they will be seeing in North Yorkshire.

The introduction of nearly 40 community support officers will boost the police presence on the streets. Although these new recruits are not fully-fledged police officers, they are welcome none the less.

The new-style community officers will have wide-ranging powers to curb anti-social behaviour and nuisance crime, freeing the traditional officers to tackle more serious crimes.

This is an important initiative on a number of fronts. Anti-social behaviour, ranging from the thoughtless to the nasty, seriously impinges on people's lives. The dog muck underfoot, the cycle dangerously ridden on the pavements, the abusive drunk swearing or acting in an alarming manner - all can cause upset. And so-called petty crimes can be equally disturbing.

Such social annoyance is a big problem - bigger than may first be apparent. It only takes a few yobs to spoil an area, leaving residents - particularly the vulnerable elderly - nervous about going out. By its nature, anti-social behaviour harms society and sees a minority spoiling life for the majority. So any effort by the police to curb the mean ways of the rotten few is certainly a good idea.

These new community officers will not have the power of arrest, but they will be able to issue fixed penalty tickets for a number of offences. Importantly, they will also be highly visible, wearing blue-banded hats and special jackets.

Their presence on the street should be a reassurance, letting residents know that something is being done. These officers could also be deployed to help sort out known troublespots, for instance tackling the troublesome behaviour of gangs of youths.

Chief Constable Della Canning deserves praise for increasing the police presence on the streets. These new officers will certainly have their work cut out, but they are worthy of our support.

Updated: 10:39 Monday, June 23, 2003