A MAJOR police crackdown on crime in Morecambe has paid dividends, new figures reveal.

Following the first phase of "Operation Blackrod," designed to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the resort through the summer, statistics have revealed that all crime has been reduced by 8.8 per cent and incidents of anti-social behaviour are down 9.6 per cent on the same period last year.

"Operation Blackrod" involved police targeting prolific offenders and problem areas. Tactics included high visibility patrols and covert surveillance by plain clothed officers. There were also mounted officers, motorcyclists and the use of a mobile police station.

Commenting on the latest figures, Insp Stephen Watson said: "The true significance of these results becomes apparent when they are contrasted with the previous trend of rising crime which our community has suffered over the past seven years."

"Recent changes and the adoption of new shift patterns reveal we are now able to use greater numbers of officers in a highly flexible and focused manner."

Insp Watson added: "This is not the traditional annual crackdown, it is working effectively in a sustained and determined way. We are determined to keep criminals on the back foot."

The second phase of "Blackrod" begins immediately and seeks to capitalise on the early success.

Do you feel safer following Operation Blackrod? Write to our letters page with your views.

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