A NEW drive to tackle crime in Dorset has been hailed a success after its first week of operation.

Community wardens hit the streets last week as part of a joint initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Now organisers of the two-year joint scheme with Dorset Police and Purbeck District Council say officers are already making an impact.

Police say the wardens, who scour the streets dressed in red uniforms and drive red cars, have already made an impact.

The six officers, whose duties include targeting unruly youngsters, truants, litterbugs and careless dog owners, have been busy visiting schools, patrolling the streets and speaking to worried residents.

And two wardens from Swanage have helped arrest a shoplifter after being given a description over police radio and tailing the offender until police arrived.

Scheme manager Tony Weatherill said: "It's still early days, but the wardens seem to be having a significant impact on crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour.

"They are being received by the community in a very positive way."

The paid full-time staff patrol several areas in the region - Wool, Bovington and Bere Regis, Lytchett Minster, Lytchett Matravers and Upton, and Swanage and Langton Matravers.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said the success could mean future bids to extend the scheme to other areas of Dorset might now be considered.

She added: "It's been going very well. All the wardens have been out patrolling the local community and everyone involved has been very enthusiastic."

The wardens completed a month's training before stepping on to the beat and will work closely with police, local councils and agencies.

The drive comes as violent crime in Dorset soared by 25 per cent in the 12 months ending in March - although nationwide the county ranks sixth safest in the country.