NORTH Yorkshire Police has hailed the success of its crime reduction strategy over the summer months.

A report into the Operation Drystone campaign, which sees extra funds and resources directed to different areas of the county when needed, showed a seven per cent drop in the rate of crimes committed over the summer months.

In the months April to September this year a total 22,696 were recorded in North Yorkshire, compared to 24,637 for the same period last year.

Operation Drystone was launched by the force in October 2008 with the aims of increasing the capabilities to respond quickly to crimes and anti-social behaviour, provide visible and effective support to Neighbourhood Policing Teams and increasing public confidence in North Yorkshire Police.

The operation works by requiring different area teams within the force to bid for extra resources based on unexpected or unplanned demands, such as a sudden increase in anti-social behaviour in a town.

The report will be presented to a meeting of the Performance Scrutiny Board of the North Yorkshire Police Authority on Friday where a decision will be made to decide how to carry on the operation through the winter months.

The report notes that due to the recession, the East Coast of North Yorkshire experienced increased footfall in excess of 500,000, more than any other coastal region in the UK.