A HOTLINE for reporting anti-social behaviour has been set up in Malvern.

The moves follows the introduction of a community safety officer by Malvern Hills District Council.

Mark Mckay, a former Soho police officer, is building up a complaints system for incidents, which also includes a website for reports to be filed.

Mr McKay told the Malvern Police Community Consultative Group on Wednesday that Malvern is different to his old patch.

"In central London, the youths are generally armed in some way or another," he said.

But he accepted that the local community rated anti-social behaviour as a bigger problem than car crime and burglary.

He wants victims to report incidents and, with help from the police and Elgar housing association, he hopes to build a database of cases to highlight hotspots.

He said he will also be able to demonstrate whether the responses, to be taken by bodies ranging from the council to parents, are working.

The council defines ASB as persistent behaviour that causes alarm, harassment or distress.

Examples include threats, intimidation, violence, unruly behaviour, verbal abuse, vandalism or graffiti.

Anyone wanting to complain about ASB should ring the council's Community Safety Unit on 01684 862443 or visit www.malvernhills. gov.uk/community_info/Community%20Safety/asbo_form.asp.