ON the day that Tony Blair unveils his "respect" agenda to tackle yobs, some encouraging news emerges from North Yorkshire Police.

Latest figures reveal a generally reduced level in reported crime in the county.

More encouraging still, anti-social behaviour is included in this downward trend.

It is only a small reduction, but after the unremitting rise in abuse and intimidation from a small minority of residents in recent years, this is a hopeful sign. It suggests that the police's policy of high visibility and early intervention is working.

Continued cooperation with pub landlords will also be key if this good news is to be maintained in the light of late opening.

We congratulate the police.

Updated: 11:13 Tuesday, January 10, 2006