A MAJOR new effort is being made to tackle the problem of youth crime in the Hambleton area.

The district is being used as a pilot project for a new "community problem solving" initiative directed at youngsters up to the age of 17.

Known as Yacab - Youth Action Combating Anti-social Behaviour - the initiative was launched yesterday as part of the new Hambleton Community Safety Partnership Strategy.

It will involve police, social services and community safety experts working together with youngsters and their parents in a bid to steer them away from the courts.

A central logging system for information relating to young people and their problems will be used for the first time in the district.

Community safety officer Chris Fields said: "This is the short, sharp shock approach to problem solving.

"By working together we will be able to access information on problem areas and intervene in problems early, to prevent young people entering the justice system."

Under the new scheme, problems will be identified by the police and other members of the Hambleton Community Partnership and warning letters will be sent to the parents of the youngsters involved.

Three warnings will lead to the setting up of an individual "problem-solving group" when an action plan will be drawn up.

That could involve mediation, parent control agreements and acceptable behaviour contracts being drawn up as well as further meetings of the group itself.

Mr Fields said: "It is important that parents and guardians are involved in this system. They need to know what their youngsters are up to and help solve the problems.

"Working as a partnership is vital for our community's safety."

The new partnership, which will take the district through to 2005, has its emphasis on young people, communications and the fear of crime.

Partnership member Hambleton District Council was named a "beacon" council earlier this year for its crime reduction in rural areas.