A COMMUNITY safety group is launching a major campaign in a North Yorkshire town - but not because of rising crime levels.

Hambleton Community Safety Partnership is launching an awareness-raising campaign in Easingwold and nearby villages, to tackle what it says is the area's outstanding problem - the fear of crime.

Hambleton's biggest-ever roadshow, schools campaigns, a doorstep crime crackdown and information sharing have all been organised for coming weeks.

The partnership wants to bring people in Easingwold up to date on the true nature of crime problems in their area.

"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 Hambleton community safety officer Alison Oakfield.

"One problem is that there does seem to be a real fear of crime. Many seem to be afraid of the 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 which does happen, like doorstep crime, rather than living in fear."

Members of the safety partnership, North Yorkshire Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Trading Standards, the Fire Service, Hambleton District Council, and community education officers will take part in the roadshow, which is to be held at the Galtres Centre on November 25.

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

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 the need to be vigilant.

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

"We want to involve everyone, from children and young people right through the community. Our roadshow is aimed at the public of Easingwold. We want everyone to come along and help us crack crime."

Updated: 09:40 Saturday, October 25, 2003