A MAJOR scheme to tackle crime has proved a real success in two towns and is being set up in others.

Problem Solving groups were launched in Bedale and Stokesley to crack down on anti-social behaviour and reduce crime figures.

Their success has led to similar groups being introduced in Northallerton and Thirsk and more are planned throughout Hambleton.

Led by the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership, the programme involves people from multi-agency and local community groups. They deal with a wide range of crime-related problems focusing both on the victims of crime and the offenders.

These multi-agency forums bring together representatives from the police, fire and rescue service, district, county and parish councils and community education to discuss new ways to reduce crime.

Community safety manager Chris Fields said: "Everyone relevant to a particular area where anti-social behaviour is causing repeated problems is brought together.

"Then they analyse the problem from all aspects - the victims, the offenders and the location. No one agency can tackle some problems so these meetings are vital to our work in crime reduction."

The first of these meetings in Thirsk and Northallerton took place earlier this month. The high level of vandalism and nuisance in the town's many open spaces is first on the agenda to be tackled over the next few months.

Community safety officer Val Dodsworth said: "These problem solving groups have been set up as a result of requests for assistance to solve perceived problems in the area. The partnership members need to share information and expertise to eventually find a long-term sustainable solution.

"The agencies involved will take away their portion of the problem, making the overall task more manageable."

Agencies in the Stokesley area have had three meetings and are now liaising with youngsters to establish what they feel they want and need.

Two new multi-agency meetings will take place in Great Ayton and Easingwold soon.