CRIME has dropped by more than a quarter in a York ward – but police have vowed to not ease up in cracking down on persistent criminals.

Clifton residents are now enjoying overall reduction of 25.92 per cent in crime, compared to figures from April last year, including a reduction in car crime of nearly 50 per cent.

Sergeant Martin Metcalfe praised the work of his Clifton Safer Neighbourhood colleagues, but said the success had only come because of close work with residents in the area.

He said: “The results make fantastic reading and is testament to the hard work of the team and the excellent way in which the local community have engaged with us.”

Figures show burglaries are down 30.81 per cent, criminal damage is down 26.88 per cent, theft is down 4.89 per cent, auto crime is down 46.5 per cent and violence is down 29.59 per cent.

Sgt Metcalfe said: “The team’s main aim now is to reduce crime even further with the help of our partners and assistance of the public. We have had some excellent results over the past three months which include carrying out at least 15 more drugs warrants as a result of information received from the public.

“The team have now carried out over 40 warrants in Clifton and this is having massive effect of local crime issues and public reassurance.”

He said the policing team has, and would continue to, act on the concern of local residents.

In the last three months...

• 40 warrants have been executed in the Clifton Ward as a result of information from the public

• More than 145 fixed penalty tickets issued to rogue cyclists after complaints from local residents

• Ten prolific offenders from the local area were placed back in prison

• 43 truants were detained from local schools

• More than 20 motor vehicles were seized due to the driver not having the appropriate insurance

• Six families were evicted from the area after evidence of drugs misuse and anti social behaviour

• Last month police arrested a local juvenile responsible for co-ordinating antisocial behaviour

The male was placed on a curfew and since this occurred, Sgt Metcalfe said antisocial behaviour had “virtually stopped”.