A newly-formed vandalism hit squad is taking to the streets of Bicester in search of graffiti, litter and criminal damage.

Armed with checklists, digital cameras and sturdy walking boots, the team of police officers and council officials will patrol the town's estates to hunt down problem areas.

After identifying hotspots, the team will alert the relevant authorities, ask them to get the problem sorted out, then go back to check the work has been done.

Known as an environmental and visual audit (Eva), the blitz is part of the new neighbourhood policing initiative which is currently being rolled out in Bicester.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Steve Birchall said: "We will identify and photograph problems which we can resolve within the area - things like graffiti, fly-tipping, damage to property, overgrown hedges and CCTV cameras being obscured."

Mr Birchall said the audit would be carried out in each of Bicester's three neighbourhoods - Bicester East, Bicester West and Bicester Town - at least every three months. And he added it could be more frequently if other problems were found.

The campaign is a partnership between Thames Valley Police and other authorities, such as Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council and Bicester Town Council.

To alert the team to a problem, drop in to your local police station or email bicester.neighbourhood@ thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk