FAMILIES and traders living in fear of yobs say anti-social behaviour has been cut after temporary CCTV cameras were put up outside their homes and businesses.

Latest figures show the number of reported incidents across the Staffordshire Moorlands has fallen by 22 per cent to 2,983 so far in 2009/10.

There were 191 incidents of anti-social behaviour last month, compared to 204 last November and 234 in October.

Vehicle-related nuisance fell by 33 per cent and rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour by 25 per cent. Police say the drop is partly due to a new initiative between Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and social landlord Moorlands Housing to purchase 11 mobile cameras.

Inspector Lee Crowther, of Leek police, said the cameras were proving to be a "valuable" tool.

He said: "From time to time we get pockets of anti-social behaviour reported to us and we have been looking at new ways to deal with it.

"The CCTV cameras are ideal to deal with specific specific problem areas."

The cameras have been used outside the homes and shops in Leek, Cheadle and Biddulph which have been repeat victims of nuisance behaviour.

Footage has already provided evidence to allow police to take action against offenders who have been caught shouting, swearing and throwing stones or snowballs at windows.

The cameras have been used in Haregate, Leek, which is trying to rid its reputation as a vandalism hotspot.

Laura Cottingham, assistant co-ordinator at Haregate Community Centre, in Haregate Road, Leek, moved to Windsor Drive 18 months ago.

The 30-year-old said: "I've never thought the anti-social behaviour was that bad in the first place and my 13-year-old daughter Chloe agrees with me.

"All I've noticed is mischievous kids who get a bit lairy. When I have spoken to them they have stopped and apologised.

"People should stop knocking Haregate and appreciate what they've got. However, I welcome any initiative which will make it an even better place to live."

Traders in the Smithfield Centre, in Haywood Street, Leek, have been plagued by gangs of youths congregating at the bus station.

Jackie Ball, assistant manager at Countrypine furniture shop, said she had noticed a marked improvement since the new year.

She said: "I used to be on the corner at the bottom and moved further up and I don't tend to notice it much now. It has definitely improved over the past three months in general but I don't know if that's down to a camera or not."

Moorlands Together Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership has also joined forces with other organisations to provide activities to keep teenagers off the streets. Councillor Gill Burton, SMDC's portfolio holder for communities, said: "Our role is to work with our partners to encourage positive behaviour from the small minority who get into trouble."