A TOUGH talking police officer has told frightened villagers they should not fear reprisals if they name and shame yobs.

When Pc Phil Richardson found out Doddington residents were too afraid to identify the culprits he sent a letter out to hundreds of homes.

He told them: “I can turn the tables, the people causing the nuisances and carrying out the criminal damage can spend some quality time in my cells.

“I will see if I can get them some time at court where they can explain themselves to a magistrate.

“I will work with partner agencies such as housing associations to see if we can end tenancies and get families moved away.

“We can apply for anti-social behaviour orders against offenders – these are publicised so YOU know who they are and what they are doing. The community can then keep an eye on them and let us know if they step out of line.”

His direct approach comes after a number of anti-social incidents in the village targeted against people who cannot defend themselves. Incidents have also included damage to gardens and repeated vandalism to the scout hall.

Pc Richardson told residents: “I want to disrupt and put a stop to as much of this anti-social behaviour as possible.

“I do not care who is causing the problems or what families they come from. YOU, the residents of Doddington, DO NOT have to suffer persecution from people who do not have the social skills to interact within their community.

“No one should fear reprisals other than the people who for so long have felt they rule the roost – they don’t, the residents do.”

Pc Richardson has promised villagers that anything they report will be treated in confidence.