Blitz on drunk thugs; REDDITCH: Crackdown success.

Byline: By Gary Marks

A POLICE crackdown on thugs plaguing part of a Worcestershire town is paying dividends, according to police.

The West Mercia force said problems in north eastern parts of Redditch had been reduced since the launch of Operation Scenic last month.

The crackdown was held in Church Hill, Winyates and Matchborough to coincide with Halloween and Bonfire Night which are times of the year which often trigger an rise in yob behaviour.

Extra resources were put in place including more foot patrols, the use of CCTV vans and hand-held camcorders and increased liaison with pubs and clubs, previous victims of crime and vulnerable residents.

As a result of the clampdown, the number of criminal damage offences recorded in the north east sector of Redditch dropped from 44 in the first half of November to 11 in the second.

Matchborough councillor Juliet Brunner said the operation had made a big difference.

"During and after the operation the public have noticed a much higher presence from the police and I have received some very positive feedback," she said.

"The police's zero tolerance approach has produced significant results in the area, particularly with reducing alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour".

Sgt Neil Billingham, of Redditch police, said: "We have had positive feedback from many people living in the area including shopkeepers who have noticed a reduction in the amount of anti-social behaviour around the shopping centres."

Much of the anti-social behaviour is alcohol fuelled and involves youngsters under the legal age for drinking.