AUTHORITIES in Selby have joined forces to prevent prolific offenders committing further crimes.

The Selby District Community Safety Partnership, which brings together Selby District Council, the police, the youth offending team and the probation service, has launched Project Spotlight.

Agencies dealing with people recently released from prison will be co-ordinated through the project to case-manage each offender, ensuring they have access to relevant support.

PC Nigel Woodhead, of North Yorkshire Police, who is co-ordinating the scheme in Selby and York, said: "Figures show a small group of offenders are responsible for the majority of crimes committed in this area.

"The best way we can continue our work to bring down crime levels is to properly support the few who cause the most problems.

"If someone has committed a crime because of a drug addiction, then it is far better for us to work together to offer that person a way out of that lifestyle.

"It is better than leaving them to their own devices with a strong chance they will reoffend in the future.

"By concentrating our resources on helping to support their rehabilitation now, we are saving money, time and ultimately making the streets safer in the long run."

He said each case was treated individually, but under Project Spotlight, some offenders would be given support such as drug intervention work or support with housing, to ensure they have the best chance of not re-offending.

Coun David McSherry, the council's community safety champion, said: "The partnership is an integral part of this project and ensures that a wide range of help is available for those who need it most.

"By targeting the most prolific offenders we can have the most pronounced effect on further bringing down levels of crime in this area.

"Selby benefits from being a largely safe and secure part of the country and Project Spotlight goes a long way to ensuring this continues."

Project Spotlight started in York in July 2006. Offenders are added or removed from the scheme at bi-monthly panel meetings.

The Spotlight team works closely with offender managers to secure relevant interventions or referrals to rehabilitation programmes.