AN initiative to crack down on crime in an east Durham town in the run-up to Christmas has been hailed a success - with a reduction of up to 100 per cent in retail crimes reported.

Police in Peterlee, who have increased the number of high- visibility patrols and worked closely with the town centre management, have made 21 arrests for crimes ranging from public order offences to shoplifting and one violent attack. Two of the arrests were for possession of drugs.

The four-week crackdown, code-named Operation Smyrna, which concluded yesterday, was welcomed by traders and town centre managers.

Neighbourhood policing unit sergeant Steve Hawkes said: "The operation has been a resounding success.

"Traditionally in the run-up to Christmas there is an increase in thefts - the underlying problem being drugs, with a link between usage and retail theft.

"This was an intelligence-led operation targeting known offenders and to provide reassurance to retailers and members of the public."

Sgt Hawkes said police had a minimum of ten officers on patrol in the town centre, and drafted in extra officers from outside the district to boost it to as many as 16 at a time.

He said: "We have also worked closely with, and have had an open line of communication with, the town centre management, who operate the CCTV cameras.

"They have helped steer us to hotspots to identify offenders."

Sgt Hawkes said almost every shoplifting offence had been successfully detected, with the number of reported cases down by almost 100 per cent.

He added: "We have also stopped and searched more than 30 people and have seized small quantities of drugs, including amphetamine, cocaine, cannabis and heroin.

"The arrests have had a ripple effect and half a dozen houses were searched in follow-up operations.

"This has been such a success we will be revisiting the campaign in the new year. The message is that the actions of criminals will not be tolerated in this area."

Town centre manager Mike Weston said: "It has been great to have the high-visibility patrols, with police and Police Community Support Officers.

"Even those who have shoplifted have been caught. Members of our security staff have also been patrolling with the police.

"Obviously we would like to see this all year round - it would make Peterlee a much safer place."