NEARLY 100 of North Yorkshire's most prolific offenders will be swept off the streets if they are caught in the act again.

They have been placed on a hit list, which will see them singled out and speeded through the courts when arrested.

The list has been put together as part of Catch And Convict - an operation aiming to clamp down on the individuals causing most harm in the region's communities.

The names of those responsible for persistent violent crime, burglary, car theft, burglaries and other antisocial offences were picked out by police and local crime and disorder partnerships.

Project chiefs hope the campaign will reduce the impact of crime as victims and witnesses see offenders being sentenced quickly.

There are also plans to prevent further offending by tackling behaviour and offering speedy access to measures, including drug treatment.

The scheme has been launched across York and North Yorkshire. Lists of the names have been circulated to the criminal justice agencies, including the Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Courts, Probation, Prisons and Youth Offending Team. Council departments, including social services and housing, are also kept up to speed.

The list of names is under constant review in each area, by a group made up of representatives from participating agencies.

Inspector Jeff McKeown, the criminal justice board business manager, said: "There are a hard core of offenders causing a disproportionate amount of criminal activity.

"The offences to be targeted have been agreed with the crime and disorder reduction partnerships who are speaking for the community.

Robert Turnbull, chairman of the Local Criminal Justice Board, said: "We have already seen a marked increase in the number of offences brought to justice in the county. We now aim to specifically target those offenders and crimes associated with antisocial behaviour within their communities."

Updated: 10:30 Wednesday, December 01, 2004