A CASH boost to cut crime has received a warm welcome in York.

Councillor Ruth Potter, who is a member of North Yorkshire Police Authority, today welcomed extra Government money being ploughed into cutting crime in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Coun Potter, shadow spokesperson for Neighbourhood Services, said: "I'm pleased to see as a result of new Home Office funding that the fight against crime in York has gained added impetus.

"I welcome the Labour Government's extra cash and the tangible benefits already being seen on the ground, including in York."

Some of the money has been spent on Operation Impact, which has now been under way for almost three weeks.

The cross-county campaign is aimed at violent crime, vandals and vehicle thieves and prolific offenders from police in North, West and South Yorkshire, and Humberside.

The campaign has taken on an educational dimension, with work being done to highlight the prevalence of domestic violence and how it can impact on victims.

Coun Potter said: "Obviously it is good to see the more visible crimes like violent crime in the street being tackled, but I think it is particularly important to see domestic violence being given some focus.

"The nature of this crime is such that it can go on for some time before being brought into the open.

"I welcome any campaign that increases public awareness as, ultimately, it will help to bring perpetrators to account for their actions."

The Press told last week how Operation Impact had already netted more than 200 arrests, quantities of Class A drugs and thousands of pounds of stolen goods in North Yorkshire.

Week one's theme, "tackling criminals in your neighbourhood", focused on a wide range of targeted activity and awareness-raising sessions in communities across North Yorkshire.

Across the Western Area of North Yorkshire, nine offenders were dealt with for the non-payment of fines and a number of arrests were made for wanted criminals - thanks to close cross-border partnership work.

Drugs warrants were authorised and led to a number of arrests, while a mobile police station toured the area to raise awareness of neighbourhood crime prevention and domestic violence issues.

In the Central Area, which covers York and Selby, there were extra high-visibility police patrols tackling night-time violent crime, accompanied by a number of arrests for wanted and violent criminals. All domestic violence victims in York were visited and a letter offering support contacts was left.