POLICE could soon have another weapon in their arsenal as the the fight against petty crime continues.

Taxpayers were asked to contribute more than 40 per cent more to the North Yorkshire force's coffers in 2002 and another 70 per cent this year.

Although the additional demands have prompted some disquiet, extra money has since been pumped into fresh initiatives to tackle priorities outlined in the North Yorkshire policing plan, including vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

On Monday, 35 police community support officers began patrolling the streets in Richmond, Northallerton, Harrogate, York and Skipton.

But, if the North Yorkshire Police Authority agrees at a meeting on Monday, the area west of the A1 could also soon benefit from a mobile police station, which could be deployed to areas where anti-social behaviour is deemed a particular problem.

The vehicle would cost £45,300, but an awning and other essential equipment would drive the bill up to about £53,000. The police authority will also be urged to add a laptop computer, printer, projector, and camcorder to the package, which takes the overall cost up to £62,000.

However, in a report to be tabled at the meeting next week, western area commander Chief Superintendent Andy Parker indicates the unit could play a vital role in reassuring the public.

"There is no doubt a mobile police unit, deployed in areas where the fear of crime is high, will provide a greater level of police visibility and reassurance, thus contributing to a reduction in the fear of crime," he writes.

The station, aboard a 7.5-tonne lorry, would operate in rural areas where there is no permanent police presence, make appearances at shows and events, and could also be deployed to an area where a serious incident has occurred.

"It is all about having another point of contact with the police, especially for people in more remote locations," said PC Geoff Crocker, Harrogate community safety officer.

If the authority agrees, the new unit could be on the roads by September.