POLICE stopped and searched 450 youths in one month in a crackdown on street robbery in Prestwich.

The move, which resulted in 40 arrests, was part of Operation Rockingham, run throughout December.

Officers have been so pleased with the results that they have extended the operation into 2004.

Insp David Jones, head of Prestwich and Whitefield Township, said: "Rockingham will continue, although we are not sure for how long. It has had a good impact on robbery figures in Prestwich and we are pleased with the results. However, there is still more work to be done."

Officers from Prestwich and Whitefield are involved in the operation with support from the Tactical Aid Unit and officers from Operation Hawk.

Insp Jones said their task was to stop and search gangs of young people who mainly come into Prestwich from other areas.

He said: "We are looking for anything that indicates they have committed a robbery or are going to commit one. They could have in their possession property or weapons that would aid a robbery."

In their searches, officers have recovered weapons and during December they made 40 arrests for a variety of offences.

"When we have stopped and searched these people our checks have revealed they are wanted for other things," explained Insp Jones, "We have also recovered sharp items and knives, plus woolly hats which, when used to protect the identity of someone during a robbery, can be very intimidating."

Yesterday, Greater Manchester Police disclosed that the number of robberies in Prestwich during the festive period fell by 87 per cent.