DELLA Cannings presented herself as more Major General than Chief Constable at her press conference today. She declared war on crime, hostilities commencing immediately.

In truth, North Yorkshire police have long waged war against criminals. But only recently have the officers looked like they were losing.

This has always been a great place to live. Yet a glance at the pages of the Evening Press reveals a rising tide of lawlessness which threatens to devour our quality of life.

Violent crime here is mercifully rare, despite some terrifying recent incidents. However, residents are increasingly likely to be verbally abused and intimidated on the street. And far too many have had their property stolen or vandalised.

So the North Yorkshire public will be heartened to hear Chief Constable Cannings' tough talk today. Operation Delivery is the name given to a new battlefront which she hopes will put her force firmly back in control. It sets some formidable targets, but that is only right after taxpayers funded a huge rise in the police precept.

Encouragingly, Operation Delivery is to treat so-called minor crime as a major threat. To be judged a success it needs to tackle key areas: anti-social behaviour, whether from young yobs, drunken idiots or drug addicted beggars; burglaries, and vandalism.

If it can do this, and improve the police response both on the phone and in person, Operation Delivery will have delivered.

Updated: 11:55 Tuesday, September 16, 2003