The scheme aims to make it easier for people to lodge complaints

The Home Office's "Asbo tzar" Louise Casey visited both cities to highlight the It's Your Call line.

The scheme aims to make it easier for people to report nuisance neighbours, vandalism or graffiti in their area.

Ms Casey, who has a brief to tackle yob culture, met residents of the Bayside estate in Cardiff and others in Newport affected by anti-social behaviour.

Both cities are part of 47 action zones around the UK to offer the service as part of a government strategy but will have different numbers.

The It's Your Call number aims to help people report trouble

Newport Council, which is keeping track of crime and disorder complaints, says it will act on the calls and keep people of informed of action it takes.

In a statement timed for the Newport launch, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said the government had made "good progress" in tackling unacceptable behaviour, with tools such acceptable behaviour contracts and parenting orders.

She said: "But there is still more to do. We need the people of Newport to play their part too and take some responsibility for where they live.

"Engaging local people is vital to create strong communities and tackle unacceptable behaviour which can destroy people's quality of life and ruin neighbourhoods."

Newport council has launched a Community Safety Strategy and Crime and Disorder Audit as part of its efforts to crackdown on nuisance behaviour.

Flyers

Council managing director Chris Freegard said: "We have to make it as easy as possible for victims and witnesses to report anti-social behaviour.

"The perpetrators rely on people not knowing who to turn to for help, but they will not be able to hide behind that wall of silence in Newport."