MEMBERS of the Kendal COPS (Community Orientated Problem Solvers) team visited 300 homes in Burneside on Tuesday, handing out questionnaires and speaking to residents about local policing issues, reports Ruth Lythe.

The team also distributed crime prevention "goody packs" including attack alarms and leaflets. The visits were part of an initiative to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime in rural communities. It is hoped householders will use the question-naires to alert police about problems in their area and to name the culprits.

PC Tony Lees of Kendal COPS said: "The main reason for the questionnaires is to gather any useful information and to gauge people's fear of crime."

He added: "The reason why we are targeting Burneside is that it is one of the areas where we have noticed an increase in the number of reports of anti-social behaviour. For example, people being rowdy and drunk in public places. With the information given in the questionnaires, we will be able to target these people with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts or Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.

"People are often intimidated by a gangs of youths standing together on a street corner, even when they mean no harm. As part of the scheme, we will be approaching young people in the area and asking them what sort of activities they want to do in their free time."

The campaign will also target Kendal, Ulverston and Windermere. The COPS team is appealing for anyone interested in working with the police and solving community problems to contact Sergeant Ernie Foster on 01539-818652.