BATTERED York communities were urged today to "be brave" and help reclaim the streets from yobs.

Police and crimefighting bodies reassured residents that an unprecedented wave of action was taking place to tackle petty thuggery and intimidation on our streets.

But senior officers are asking vigilant residents to stand up and be counted in the fight by acting as their eyes and ears.

North Yorkshire Police today launched Operation Ratcatcher across the county after a winter campaign last year, spearheaded by the Evening Press, proved a startling success.

Our joint drive to get people to report criminal behaviour saw 130 calls from members of the public leading to the arrest of more than 65 suspects.

The move to widen the operation's scope came as frightened Tang Hall householders spoke to the Evening Press about recent nightmare experiences at the hands of gangs of marauding youths.

Of today's initiatives, Police Chief Superintendent John Lacy said that there had never before been such a major partnership between police and other agencies in tackling nuisance behaviour.

He said Operation Ratcatcher would support North Yorkshire Police's crime blitz, Operation Delivery, which has notched up more than 1,300 arrests.

Council leader Steve Galloway said: "The community must be brave and gather useable evidence against those who are responsible.

"It will only work if people are prepared to organise - perhaps through the formation of neighbourhood watch groups - and proactively help to reclaim ownership of their streets and neighbourhoods."

Today's Ratcatcher launch follows a successful pilot project, led by the Evening Press, the Safer York Partnership and the police,

Alleged offenders were arrested for offences from handling stolen property, drug dealing and even threats to commit murder and rape. Thousands of pounds worth of stolen goods and drugs were also seized.

The campaign was brought to the attention of Prime Minister Tony Blair by York MP Hugh Bayley, who praised the initiative in the House of Commons.

The Evening Press, alongside other members of the partnership, was also nominated for the Office of the Prime Minister's Prize for Public Management Leadership 2003.

Any person who has any information about any crime can phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The call is free, anonymous and could lead to a cash reward.

Michael Kitching, 19, of York, has become the subject of the city's 13th Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO). Magistrates imposed a three-year order. Safer York Partnership and City of York Council are monitoring Kitching's behaviour.

Updated: 14:14 Monday, October 27, 2003