ALMOST 300 more people have been arrested as part of a major crackdown on crime in North Yorkshire.

Week four of Operation Impact saw a total of 289 arrests - taking the total since the blitz was launched up to more than 500.

And with several weeks still to run, the operation is expected to yield further results - and leave a legacy of crime reduction.

The operation is a high-impact campaign to reduce crime, and the latest phase involved activities such as awareness-raising initiatives, high visibility patrols and widespread moves to tackle crime relating to the night-time economy.

Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Javed Ali said: "Operation Impact is all about giving criminals nowhere to hide.

"We've been very pleased with the results so far, with a high level of arrests as well as widespread awareness-raising activity aimed at encouraging the public to do their bit in reducing crime - whether it's being more security-conscious or providing information which could help bring an offender to justice."

He added: "We've made over 500 arrests across North Yorkshire during the first half of this operation and have a programme of campaigns and initiatives planned for the remainder of the operation, specifically targeting stolen goods, asset seizures and roads policing."

The campaign was launched on August 6 and runs until September 30.

The neighbouring forces of West and South Yorkshire, and Humberside, are also involved.

The Home Office has provided extra money to help fund the operation, which aims to cut targeted crimes and lead to sustainable crime reduction and increased public confidence.

Successes include a cross-border initiative with West Yorkshire which led to three arrests for vehicle-related burglaries.

Following a spate of burglaries at homes when car keys were taken and the cars stolen from the driveway, officers from both forces worked together last week to make arrests.

A mobile police unit was stationed in Knaresborough, Ripon and Harrogate on different evenings to create a higher-visibility police presence and provide advice and information to passers-by.

Crime "hotspot" areas were also targeted, with extra policing and patrols to deter criminals.