CRIME-busting CCTV cameras have been installed at Ringwood's popular Greyfriars Community Centre in a bid to stop youthful vandalism and petty thieving.

The decision was made to install the cameras by members of Ringwood and District Community Association, which runs the centre next to the library in Christchurch Road, after a catalogue of petty crime there this summer.

Chairman Ann Pedersen said: "It's not just us that gets a lot of damage done, but the library as well which is behind our building."

"We've had attempted break-ins through windows and doors. They got into our canteen and pinched things like Kit Kats. It's petty thieving."

On another occasion the Lions Club was putting on a strawberry tea for elderly residents when a handbag was stolen from the kitchen, emptied of valuables and dumped in the gents' toilets.

And there was the time the dramatic society was rehearsing and two children's scooters used as props were stolen.

Outside, pre-school play equipment gets damaged and Hampshire County Council has decided to move a road sign because youths were shinning up it and running around on the roof of the building, disturbing meetings.

When caught inside the centre, youths say they are using the toilets.

"They are really quite cheeky. You ask them their name and they say Mickey Mouse' and that sort of thing," said Mrs Pedersen.

The CCTV system now installed has cost £5,090, of which £4,500 was provided by Ringwood Musical and Dramatic Society, with the balance given by an anonymous donor.

Thanking the dramatic society for its contribu-tion, Mrs Pedersen said: "It's a sad indictment of the times that we are forced to make funding for CCTV a priority, as it becomes increasingly evident that we needed to safeguard the property as well as all who use the community centre."

Dramatic society treasurer Sam Coleman said: "It seems a great shame to have to spend this kind of money because of a minority of young people, especially when the majority of youngsters are great and contribute positively to society."