POLICE are hailing the success of crackdowns on crime and anti-social disorder in two former colliery communities.

The StreetSafe initiative was launched to combat street disturbances, petty crime, drugs misuse and fears posed by youths congregating in large groups.

Co-ordinated efforts concentrated on the villages of Brandon and Sacriston, with high visibility patrols by police and community support officers.

Apart from anti-social disorder, instances of fly-tipping, untaxed or abandoned vehicles, graffiti, potential fire risks and faulty street lighting were also covered in the three-month campaigns.

Figures for so-called low-level crime and reported complaints in both villages dropped as a result.

The Brandon blitz ran from mid-October to mid-January and led to instances of criminal damage dropping from 52 to 42, while complaints of all types of anti-social behaviour fell 31 per cent, from 117 to 81.

Street lighting improved in several areas, the youth engagement service ran consultation evenings with local young people, and several problem tenants were evicted or moved from the village.

During the campaign 37 arrests were made, ten warrants were executed in drugs searches and six alcohol seizures were made.