Officers will tackle crimes like noisy neighbours and vandalism

Uniformed officers will work with communities in an attempt to tackle anti-social behaviour as part of the Safer Neighbourhoods scheme.

The team, of at least one sergeant, two constables and three community support officers, will begin operating in every borough in London this month.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said a more visible police presence is a deterrent.

At the launch in Stonebridge, north-west London, he said: "This is something that is only just beginning, but the prize is a fantastic one, an inspiring one.

What this presence on the street will give us is a chance to change the quality of life in our cities Mayor of London Ken Livingstone

"It is that the law-abiding majority in a community take back control of that community, so people, whatever background they come from, show respect to other people and get respect back."

Mr Blair added that other cities had expressed interest in developing similar schemes.

The Safer Neighbourhood teams will be "bedded into" the local community and will be directly contactable by local people.

They will also be exempt from other duties such as football matches or demonstrations.

'Linked to the community'

Policing priorities for each team will be identified through consultation with local residents, community groups and other organisations.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens said: "What we are doing now is going to be far more effective and far more linked to the community than ever before."

By the end of the summer, 96 teams will be in place across the city, the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said.

He added: "In the following three to four years, all 680 neighbourhoods in London will have their own dedicated team.

"What this presence on the street will give us is a chance to change the quality of life in our cities. It is about restoring a quality of life on our streets which has gradually been eroded."