A MAJOR initiative to combat crime is about to take to the road in the sprawling Hambleton district.

The district's Community Safety Partnership is launching its biggest-ever roadshow, linked with a schools campaign, a crackdown on doorstep crime and information-sharing.

The roadshow will be reflecting the issues that raise the most concern at each location it visits.

At the first event, covering Easingwold and surrounding villages, it will be tackling the area's biggest problem - the fear of crime.

"We really want to tackle Easingwold - sometimes, if there isn't a specific problem, people tend to feel they don't always get everything the other towns get, and we want to redress that," said the district's community safety officer Alison Oakfield.

"One problem is that there does seem to be a real fear of crime. Many seem to be most afraid of young people on the streets.

"But in truth, crime levels in Easingwold are lower than people believe.

"We want to make sure people are aware of the crime that does happen, such as doorstep crime, rather than living in fear."

Members of the safety partnership, police, neighbourhood watch, trading standards, fire service, Hambleton District Council, and community education officers will take part in the roadshow when it visits the Galtres Centre on November 25.

"We want to take this chance to show them who we are and what we do, but, equally important, we need to hear from them - even if it is only to shout at us," said Ms Oakfield.

Villages in the area are also to be visited by a mobile police station to raise awareness and knowledge of how to deal with problems, and to urge residents to be vigilant.

The roadshow will visit Stokesley on January 26, Bedale on February 24 and Thirsk on March 30. Events for Northallerton and Great Ayton are also being planned.

The partnership is also to launch an innovative schools scheme in the run-up to Christmas, using the help of children to pass on the importance of doorstep safety to their elderly relatives and neighbours.