POLICE in Sedgefield have vowed to continue to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour following a successful pre-Christmas operation.

The annual Operation Bullseye, from November 26 to December 24, was rated one of the biggest successes of its kind in Sedgefield division, which includes Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Spennymoor, Ferryhill and Sedgefield.

During the operation, police executed 16 search warrants and arrested 13 people on suspicion of a range of crimes including burglaries, thefts, drugs offences, handling stolen goods and possession of indecent photographs.

There were various other initiatives running at the same time. A drink-driving and road safety campaign resulted in 15 arrests.

There were 18 people arrested in a shoplifting campaign, which included working closely with businesses and high-profile policing.

Sedgefield police also ran an anti-social behaviour unit, in response to complaints from members of the public about large groups of youths gathering in various locations.

Six arrests were made as a result, and a large amount of alcohol was confiscated. More than 80 young people were spoken to and parents informed of their behaviour.

A crackdown on vehicle crime in outlying areas of the division was held to try to prevent thefts from cars.

Extra patrols were set up, and measures included leaving leaflets on the windscreens of cars where Christmas presents had been left on back seats.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Pearson hailed the operation as a great success and said: "We feel as a result of this operation, the quality of life has improved for the people who live in the division.

"But the message we would like to try to get across is that even though this particular operation is finished, we are not going to be complacent.

"It is a new year and we are facing a new challenge. We have been very successful in 2001 and we hope to be even more successful in 2002.

"There is still a problem with crime and anti-social behaviour, unfortunately. It is a fact of life, but we have just got to continue the work we are doing and try to be more inventive and productive," he said