Violent assaults in the centre of York are to be the main target of the city's police in the coming year.

Also high on the list of priorities are auto, retail and drug-related crime, and the theft of cycles.

"Our overall objective is to make the city centre a safer environment for people who live and work in York, and also for the four million visitors who come to our city," said Inspector Tim Madgwick.

"And we are looking in particular to reduce the number of assaults."

Insp Madgwick said there were "hot spots" in the city and particular times of the evening when a disproportionate amount of attacks took place, and that officers in uniform would make their presence felt at these times and locations.

He said many attacks were drink-related and were mainly committed by young men on other young men, but said there was an increasing tendency to fights among young women.

The incidence of seemingly random drink-fuelled attacks was described by the inspector as "disturbing".

City centre officers have been set the task of reducing the number of assaults from last year's total of 249 to 220.

Insp Madgwick said street corner drug dealers remained high on the priority list of city centre officers.

"I am particularly keen on having an effect on the street supply of drugs," he said.

"We need to work hard to tackle this issue as we have had reports of dealers selling to children.

"If people are prepared to try selling drugs in the city they should be aware that we are having a major purge against them."

Insp Madgwick admitted that achieving a reduction in car crime in the centre of York would be a tough task, but said officers are aiming to bring the number of theft of cars and from cars down by 50 this year.

"We have fewer resources to deal with this issue over the next year, but CCTV is the best way to deal with it and we are confident that we can achieve a significant reduction in this type of crime."

City centre officers are also pledged to have more of an impact on cycle thefts and on cyclists riding in restricted areas.

"We want to make York a safer place both for cyclists and pedestrians," he said.

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