NORTH Yorkshire's first community support officers took to the streets yesterday to help police tackle petty crime.

Public consultations on the policing plan indicated that one of the force's priorities ought to be dealing with vandalism, criminal damage and nuisance.

Additional patrols in targeted areas have had a limited effect, although the local authorities recently had Anti-Social Behaviour Orders added to their arsenal.

However, it is hoped the 37 police community support officers sent to work from police stations across the county yesterday will help reassure the public.

Northallerton, York, Selby, Scarborough, Malton, Pateley Bridge and Skipton were among towns to welcome the recruits, whose positions have been partly funded by local councils.

In Richmond, Kevin Mason and Diane Jex arrived at the town's police station.

They were greeted by Inspector Charlie Kay; the chairman of Richmondshire District Council, Councillor Michael Heseltine, and the authority's chief executive, Harry Tabiner; the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Stuart Parsons; the Mayor of Colburn, Councillor Peter Wood, and chairman of the Richmondshire Crime and Disorder Partnership, Lynn Miller.

The police community support officers have completed a training programme at Leeming Bar and Harrogate, but the learning process will continue for the next three weeks, when they will patrol with experienced officers and receive instruction in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities of the police.

Once they are ready for operational duties, the community support officers will work with the community they have been assigned to, identifying hotspots for anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Richard O'Neil, of Richmond police, said: "They will be a great asset to the police and will also provide high-visibility reassurance to the public."

In Richmondshire, the support officers will work alongside three community beat officers. It is expected two more beat officers and one more support officer will be recruited by the end of the year.

Coun Parsons said: "The new Chief Constable, Della Cannings, introduced the idea of police community support officers at the beginning of the year and asked for a large increase in the police precept.

"This is proof that she is delivering on her promises, and delivering very quickly."