MORE must be done to crack down on serial offenders, North Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner has said.

Julia Mulligan, who was elected last November, has also pledged to give victims more say in the type of community service that offenders must do and has vowed to increase prosecutions for sexual assaults.

Her draft Police and Crime Plan for 2013 to 2017, published today, reaffirmed Mrs Mulligan’s desire to sell North Yorkshire Police’s Newby Wiske headquarters, which costs £820,000 a year to run.

She said it will be replaced by a new “northern base” and also wants the force, which is tackling severe funding cuts, to save energy and transport costs by being more environmentally friendly.

Residents, groups and organisations are being asked to comment on the plan before the final version is published at the end of March. Public consultation events, webchats and surgeries with Mrs Mulligan will be held over the coming weeks.

The plan promised a “relentless pursuit of offenders”, particularly serial and habitual criminals, and increased arrest rates.

Mrs Mulligan also promised “tough” community payback schemes with victims’ input, and an “alcohol strategy”, with other organisations, to reduce drink-fuelled antisocial behaviour and violence.

She pledged to invest in Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology to deter criminal gangs, double the number of special constables and volunteers over five years, and create a “Victims’ Charter” .

“We are privileged to have the lowest crime rates in the country, and I will endeavour to keep it that way,” said Mrs Mulligan.

“I will also focus on helping people feel safe in their homes and on the streets, which is why victims of crime will be a priority. However, the plan is not yet finished, and I need views, feedback and criticism.”

Mrs Mulligan’s first webchat, at midday today, can be reached through crimeplan.org.uk, alongside more information on the plan and feedback opportunities.

Leaflets will be available in libraries, police stations and other public buildings.