Figures released today prove beyond reasonable doubt that crime in North Yorkshire is falling. The number of reported offences in North Yorkshire between March 1997 and March 1998 was down by six per cent on the same period the previous year.

This is cheering news. Crime rose relentlessly during the early years of this decade. It seems we are likely to enter the new Millennium with the trend heading in the right direction.

The public's fear of crime is centred on violence. In reality these offences are rare and victims can count themselves very unfortunate. We are far more likely to encounter the comparatively minor offences: the car stereo stolen, the shed broken into, or even a house burglary.

These offences are infuriating, upsetting and all-too common. The regularity with which they are committed makes for a pervading sense of despondency, a feeling that nothing can be done to curb the criminals.

Now North Yorkshire police have shown something can be done. Car crime and burglaries have fallen significantly.

The force's intelligence-led approach has seen known offenders targeted, caught and brought to justice. Officers have proved that by breaking the pattern of recidivism, they can reduce crime.

Nationally, crime figures are also down. The much-lauded "zero tolerance" policy has achieved success in Middlesbrough and elsewhere. There is much more work to do, of course. Some of Britain's worst-hit areas are now considered to be more crime-ridden than New York. And the North Yorkshire public will be worried to see the increase in violent offences. This rise may be partly explained by a greater willingness by victims to report their ordeal. But, like so much of modern crime, it is also related to society's drug problem.

North Yorkshire police have introduced important initiatives to tackle this scourge. Officers have raided known drug dealers' homes, hammering home the message that their trade will not be tolerated. Meanwhile, Chief Constable David Kenworthy personally led an investigation into the drugs scene at nightclubs.

But the police need help if their excellent progress is to be maintained. On Saturday, we reported how drugs baron John Kane was jailed for nine years.

However, York Detective Chief Inspector John Lacy believed Kane should have been given life. There are many who would agree.

Both the courts and the crown prosecution service must ensure that they fully support the police's commitment to nail the drugs menace.

Today's crime figures make for an encouraging progress report. In the battle against crime, they represent a stoppage to an advancing wave of lawlessness.

Now we must work to roll it back.

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