LEIGH police are set to swoop on robbers and street criminals as part of a county-wide tough crackdown on street crime.

Crime hot spots in Leigh have been earmarked as targets by police chiefs, who are preparing a series of co-ordinated initiatives aimed at stemming the rise of street crime.

Tactics will include an increased uniform police presence and more investigative resources will be focused on targeting street criminals.

But the police are keeping as many of the plans under wraps to surprise the offenders.

Sgt Bill Nelson of Leigh police explained why offenders could be turning to street crime: "Offenders are using this type of offence because it is quick and easy for them to get items which are easily sellable like mobile phones."

He added that the number of incidences of street crime have increased in Leigh, although the situation is not as bad as in other Greater Manchester areas.

High profile

The crackdown in Leigh is part of Greater Manchester Police's high profile Operation Hawk campaign.

Greater Manchester Police has established a task force to co-ordinate the county-wide initiative.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Green, who will oversee the Hawk Task Force, said: "Cutting street crime is a top priority and offenders have no hiding place in Greater Manchester. The Operation Hawk Task Force will swoop into key areas and help take criminals from our streets.

"Offenders must realise that robbery is a serious crime and when they are caught it is likely that they will receive custodial sentences."

Through their Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships police will also be working closely with partner agencies including the Crown Prosecution Service, local authorities and the Probation Service.

GMP, in line with national trends, has experienced a rise in robbery between April 2001 and March 2002, but this increase has been held at 11 per cent across the Force which is the lowest increase amongst all metropolitan forces in the UK.