"PLEASE report crime to the police." That's the message from the mayor of Tadcaster Richard Sweeting, as residents of the town try to beat its vandalism problem.

Coun Sweeting's words came as a special public meeting revealed that victims of crime were not reporting incidents because they thought nothing would be done about them.

Coun Sweeting said: "My message is; if there is an incident, an act of vandalism or any crime - please report it to the police. Don't think they won't do anything about it - that's not the case. We need everything to be reported so it can be logged in the police files.

"If these incidents are not reported, police will say there's no evidence of these crimes in Tadcaster.

"If someone is banging on your door and you feel intimidated, then you can ring 999. If people ring up and report these things then the police will act on them."

He said that provision of a mobile CCTV camera to target vandals had been discussed at the meeting.

Fellow councillor Donald Mackay, who was also at the meeting, said: "There is an awful lot of unreported crime - a lot of people think if they have something stolen Oh well, I'm never going to see it again'. This is what was coming out of the meeting."

Coun Mackay said the Government was preventing police from being on the street.

He said: "The police spend 43 per cent of their time filling in forms - many of which are not relevant. Their resources could be better used. In the early hours of the morning, when the problems are occurring, rather than during the day when there is very little activity. The police presence seems to be sporadic."

Tim Grogan, licensing officer for Selby District Council, was at the meeting.

He said: "People have the impression the police aren't going to do anything about it - which is not the case. There are things you can do to get people banned from pubs as a consequence of their behaviour and there has been an increase in people being banned.

"How can we expect police to do anything if nothing has been reported? If crimes are not reported, no more police are going to come in."

The meeting came after The Press revealed last week how Tadcaster was trying to deal with a spate of fires, smashed windows and graffiti.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "The people of Tadcaster are fortunate to have such a pragmatic and level-headed mayor, whose advice is excellent.

"If people are aware of a crime they should tell the police and they will take the appropriate action - it's what they are for. The police cannot be everywhere every minute of the day so we need information from the public."