CONVICTED criminals were successfully diverted from lives of crime thanks to the efforts of North Yorkshire probation workers, according to a new report.

Government inspectors found that the county's post-offending service, which also covers York, was helping people stay out of illegal activities with supervision, regular contact and education.

They said the service, which has a budget of £8.4 million and serves a population of more than 569,000 people, was well-led and well-managed and focused on meeting national targets.

But the inspectors criticised the service for not assessing a small number of offenders, including some high-risk individuals, quickly enough.

They also said probation officers must pay thorough and consistent attention to the needs of victims when they were supervising offenders.

Andrew Bridges, HM Chief Inspector of Probation, said: "Offenders are receiving appropriate supervision, with regular contact arranged, the required interventions being delivered, and breach action taken where necessary.

He said: "The outcomes of the work are shown in most offenders not having been convicted of a further offence to date and examples of their risk of harm being reduced or contained in a number of cases."

Roz Brown, North Yorkshire Probation Chief Officer, said: "I am absolutely delighted by the inspectorate's assessment of probation's work in North Yorkshire.

"I believe that the communities we serve throughout North Yorkshire can view the findings as a positive endorsement of probation work in delivering effective supervision of offenders to protect the public and reduce crime.

"At all times our challenge is to find the right balance between enforcement and support. By doing this we are able to maximise our contribution to crime reduction and public protection.

"The assessment of North Yorkshire recognises the excellent work we are doing in achieving this and I believe that we are well placed to face the challenges ahead."

A new programme of probation service inspection began across the UK in June 2003. All 42 probation areas are inspected over a three-year cycle.

The report found that North Yorkshire Probation Service was ready to implement the requirements of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and that it had good relationships with other groups.

It revealed that most offenders had not been reconvicted for a further offence committed since the start of their order or licence and there was evidence of risk being reduced or contained in many cases.

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, May 25, 2005