FOR years, undercover surveillance was the domain of warring couples and the old DHSS.

Now, the changing nature of society has led a former Bolton police officer to set up a thriving specialist business to help combat and prosecute anti-social behaviour.

Yousee Limited, based in Deane, is a technical evidence gathering and surveillance service which helps victims to identify offenders and present a better case to the authorities.

It was launched in 2003 by ex-GMP surveillance specialist Chris Lee, after he witnessed the misery of families and businesses who found themselves repeatedly victimised.

He saw a gap between policy and practice where a business could succeed, a gap reinforced by the Government's recent pledge to combat yob culture'.

Mr Lee said: "The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 placed more responsibility on local authorities and housing agencies to prosecute and implement Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).

"There is quite often an issue with the quality of the evidence collected, and witnesses are not always willing to stand up in court and testify, often for fear of intimidation. That's where we can help."

Using state of the art audio and visual equipment to observe and monitor offenders, the company produces images and log reports which can be used as evidence to substantiate complaints.

Yousee is currently working on behalf of a number of local authorities, including more than half the authorities in Greater Manchester, and large housing associations, with the aim of capturing evidence of anti-social behaviour and reported breaches of tenancy.

While careful measures need to be taken to ensure safe practice and compliance with Human Rights legislation, the Home Office has realised the value of such methods by allowing professional witness evidence to be heard in ASBO applications.

Mr Lee believes his methods are especially welcomed by the courts because anti-social behaviour is an area where victims can either feel too threatened or unable to provide evidence that can be substantiated.

"Video evidence provides undeniable proof that the anti-social behaviour took place at the time and date reported.

"Our covert approach to surveillance gives us an element of surprise over our targets, often catching them in the act."