A SECRET "snapshot" of loutish behaviour was today being recorded in York, North and East Yorkshire.

The Home Office has ordered the "census" of all antisocial behaviour which takes place in the 24 hours to midnight tonight.

The snapshot was being taken as crime figures were released showing a surprise drop in one form of antisocial behaviour in York during the summer holidays.

Safer York Partnership today released figures showing that acts of criminal damage fell by 17.5 per cent in the six weeks of the summer holidays, compared to the six weeks before.

"A lot of this is about the difference between perception and reality," said Safer York Partnership communications director Carole Patrick.

"People assume gangs of youths are up to no good, and that because there are more young people are out on the streets because they are on holiday there will be more problems.

"But these figures show that in the case of criminal damage this is not the case," she said.

The Home Office "snapshot" will measure behaviour from drug dealing and prostitution to noise nuisance and litter offences.

"If you look at what is classified in the list, they are not all things that would immediately spring to mind as real problems, but they are antisocial," said Ms Patrick.

Today was chosen for the count because it was thought to be an average day.

The Home Office will also be able to measure the impact on over-stretched public services, such as the police and medical staff.

Updated: 11:28 Wednesday, September 10, 2003