A COUNTYWIDE anti-crime blitz is already having an impact.

Violent crime and public disorder in particular have fallen since Operation Delivery Plus was launched just over two months' ago.

Through an alcohol misuse enforcement campaign which is running alongside it, there has also been a 17.5 per cent reduction in alcohol-related assaults.

The latest figures for the operation, covering the period up to New Year, show overall reported crime fell by 2.5 per cent, with the crime detection rate standing at 35 per cent.

Violent crime has fallen 7.5 per cent - 1,963 from 2,123.

The detection rate for violent crime stands at 76 per cent.

Incidents involving public disorder have fallen 15 per cent - to 327 from 386 - and criminal damage has also fallen slightly.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian McPherson described the results as encouraging and said they reflected the hard work of police as well as the support of other agencies.

He said: "Throughout the campaign, we have concentrated on providing high-visibility patrols, early intervention and robust action, coupled with a policy of co-operation with the licensed trade, especially in light of the recent changes in opening hours.

"The outcome has been very promising and bodes well for the future. We commend the significant efforts made by the majority of licensees to manage their premises in a professional manner, but we will continue to actively target those few who choose to flout the law."

Police visited more than 2,000 pubs and other licensed premises, dealt with more than 1,000 alcohol-related offences and issued 80 fixed-penalty notices for public disorder.

They were supported by trading standards officers who made more than 100 test purchases resulting in 19 offences of selling alcohol to children being detected.

"Crime and incidents of disorder continue to fall across the force area, but it seems that many members of the public remain unaware of the progress we are making," said Dep Chief Supt McPherson.

"Tackling their fear of crime and gaining public confidence remains one of my top priorities. I am confident that this can be achieved once the newly-introduced neighbourhood policing teams become firmly established."