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 north Durham villages of Brandon and Sacriston, with high visibility patrols by police, "specials" and community support officers.

Apart from anti-social disorder, 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.

In Sacriston, StreetSafe ran from mid-January to mid-April, during which time reports of youths causing annoyance fell from 107 to 75, a 30 per cent reduction.

Criminal damage more than halved, from 87 to 43 incidents, while burglaries dropped from 21 in the previous three months to 12.

Other figures also made good reading for the force, with requests for police assistance at potential trouble spots dropping from 107 to 51, while there were also fewer car thefts, assaults and complaints of community problems.

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

Community support officers, backed by the DVLA, also removed 33 vehicles considered to be "at the end of their useful life", while the fire service made almost 500 safety checks and fitted more than 200 smoke alarms.

Community Inspector Paul Anderson, of Durham Police, said: "The reason for the success is that the community's fears and concerns were identified at an early stage and all the organisations involved were able to contribute and work together in addressing these needs."

But he pledged it was "only the start" and he said he hoped to maintain confidence and a commitment to work in partnership with local people