CRIME can go down as well as up. The number of reported crimes in North Yorkshire has dropped by 13.5 per cent, more than double the average fall.

Violent incidents have increased, although this statistic is partially because of more rigorous recording. Overall, the figures are excellent news, and our police deserve thanks for a sterling effort.

It is all the more disappointing, then, that a successful new weapon in the battle against antisocial behaviour has been spiked. A High Court ruling has undermined the Clifton dispersal order, which saw police breaking up gangs and returning teenagers home at night.

We hope an appeal will restore full power to an order which has made Clifton a safer and happier neighbourhood.

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, July 21, 2005