NORTH Yorkshire's chief constable has said a police operation has got the county's criminal fraternity "running scared", with 800 arrests made within a month.

Della Cannings said persistent offenders would be targeted when Operation Delivery began last month.

Since then, 811 people have been arrested, including 64 in one day.

Some suspects have been bailed while further inquiries are made. Others have been charged and are waiting to appear in court.

Of the arrests made, 117 were in connection with burglaries, 136 for assault, 17 for drug offences and 208 for theft.

"Criminals are running scared and so they should," said Ms Cannings.

"Operation Delivery is all about my pledge to deliver improved services to the people of North Yorkshire and my officers are putting a major effort into driving down crime by taking large numbers of criminals out of circulation. They are succeeding in spectacular style."

Ms Canning said there would be no let-up in the drive to lock up the criminals.

She said: "This operation will go on and on. It will be relentless and it will be unswerving.

"Criminals should not think for a second that we will go away after a while. North Yorkshire Police have every intention of turning up the heat and keeping it up."

Communities around Richmond were among those to benefit at the weekend when special constables were used to supplement regular officers on a number of initiatives.

Another three arrests were made, including one in connection with a burglary reported in Richmond.

Others joined foot patrols around the town and in nearby Colburn.

A number of drivers have also been reported for motoring offences.

Elsewhere, more than 30 extra officers have joined colleagues working on Operation Delivery.

They include specialists from the economic crime unit and Special Branch, crime scientists, trainers, community safety officers and a health and safety officer from police headquarters.