THE first two weeks of a major crackdown on crime in North Yorkshire have been declared a success.

Operation Impact has already led to more than 200 arrests in the county.

In Ripon and Richmond, search warrants authorised under the Misuse of Drugs Act led to several arrests and the seizure of a quantity of drugs.

Stolen goods worth thousands of pounds have also been recovered and nine offenders have been dealt with for the non-payment of fines.

The operation has seen North Yorkshire Police team up with colleagues from South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Humberside police forces.

Police say the cross-border partnership has enabled officers to arrest a number of suspects.

In Scarborough, a new initiative was launched to tackle domestic violence.

A paramedic fast response vehicle, staffed by a paramedic and a police officer, has gone on patrol in Scarborough town centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

The unit aims to intervene in the early stages of domestic violence incidents.

A large mobile television screen is also being used in the town centre to highlight domestic violence issues.

A similar scheme was launched in York where known domestic violence victims were visited and given support contact information.

A mobile police station in Skipton was used to raise awareness of neighbourhood crime prevention and domestic violence issues.

Chief Superintendent Colin Taylor, who is leading Operation Impact within North Yorkshire Police, said: "North Yorkshire has one of the lowest crime rates of any county in England and yet a relative minority of people persist in causing a disproportionate level of violence, damage and fear in our community.

"By joining forces with our colleagues regionally we really are giving this minority nowhere to hide.

"This is demonstrated by the number of arrests made and illegal goods seized in the first two weeks alone of this operation."

Over the coming weeks, North Yorkshire Police will be working closely with Crimestoppers to target violent criminals, vandals and vehicle thieves.

The public can help police by calling Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111 with information.