DRUG addicts who steal constantly to feed their £150-a-day habits are top of the target list for Blackpool police this autumn.

Since they began Operation Arrival in the spring - zooming in on known offenders, areas and times of high crime - police have caught 12 of the resort's worst offenders responsible for a high proportion of burglaries, thefts and car crime.

As a result, this August saw a massive 38 per cent fewer burglaries compared with the same month last year, a 38 per cent drop in public disorder, 24 per cent less vehicle crime and 21 per cent fewer road casualties.

Last weekend - August Bank Holiday - was one of the busiest of the year, but crime was still down across the Fylde. Now Operation Arrival, originally due to run only during the high season months, is being carried on into the autumn, with up to 100 extra officers on the streets each weekend.

Commented DC Pete Errington: "If you are a persistent offender anywhere in the Fylde you will be targeted and your criminal activity will be disrupted.

"The operation has had such a dramatic success on crime, disorder and crash casualties that it will continue into the autumn. We aim to turn the pressure on to the offenders rather than the victims of crime."

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