ROWDY behaviour and vandalism in Brockenhurst have been slashed following a successful police operation in the New Forest village.

Groups of up to 50 youths from places as far apart as Barton-on-Sea, New Milton, Lymington and Hythe had been gathering in the village high street - Brookley Road - especially on Friday nights, leading to numerous complaints about youth nuisance.

Between December 1 and January 25 police received 17 reports of rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour and 15 reports of criminal damage.

During the police operation, between January 26 and March 16, there were just two reports of inconsiderate behaviour and nine reports of vandalism, reductions of 88 per cent and 40 per cent.

Police say groups of youths would gather near Brookley's Bar and the Tesco Express.

During the operation they carried out extra patrols in the area seizing alcohol and tobacco and obtaining information about the youths which was then sent in letters to their homes.

A total of 68 youths were stopped and asked to acount for their presence, 34 letters of intervention were sent to parents and one drugs search was carried out.

Sgt Paul Howlett said: "We would like to reassure residents that this is an ongoing project. We will continue to work with local businesses and residents.

"We are very keen to work with and for the youths that have been spoken to during the course of the operation to arrange a solution.

"We would ask anyone who could offer suggestions to contact us."

Call Lymington police station on 0845 045 4545.