POLICE have hailed as a success a summer crackdown on disorder, violence and anti-social behaviour after 134 people were arrested in just seven weeks.The Nightsafe campaign in west Suffolk is thought to be behind a 25% fall in the number of such offences in July – from 207 for the same period last year to 154 this year.

POLICE have hailed as a success a summer crackdown on disorder, violence and anti-social behaviour after 134 people were arrested in just seven weeks.

The Nightsafe campaign in west Suffolk is thought to be behind a 25% fall in the number of such offences in July – from 207 for the same period last year to 154 this year.

The 134 arrests have all been made since the beginning of July and the majority of them have been made in relation to lower level crime and disorder. Superintendent John Fletcher, who is leading the clampdown, said: "Fortunately, we live in the safest county in the country.

"However, we cannot afford to become complacent. Although overall crime has decreased in west Suffolk by over 4% over the last two years, alcohol-related violent crime has increased across the country.

"But in west Suffolk during the month of July we have had 53 fewer offences compared with the same month in the previous year."

He added: "Although violent crime only makes up a small percentage of our total crime, we know it has a disproportionate effect in creating fear in the wider community.

"This crime will not be tolerated and we are now working hard to reduce violent crime and make our streets even safer."

Mr Fletcher said the offences and arrests should be put into perspective and added: "When we say violent crime many people automatically think of serious offences.

"However, within this category of crime are a number of less serious offences such as causing danger to road users, breaching restraining orders or using threatening or intimidating behaviour.

"Less than 4% of all violent crime results in any form of serious bodily harm and in most cases the offender is know to the victim."

With increased patrols in key places at key times and close partnership with pubs and clubs, violent crime in west Suffolk over the summer months has reduced compared with the same period last year, said Mr Fletcher.

He added: "We would consider the scheme to be a success so far. Our main emphasis has been on high visibility policing to provide reassurance and advice through a meet and greet scheme.

"Through our presence we aim to interact with people early in the night issuing guidance on safer clubbing."