Clifton: Police crackdown aims to clear out criminals

The Clifton project is the first of its kind to be run in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Police says it is working to "clear out" criminals from a York suburb as part of a new Home Office-led strategy.

The "Clear Hold Build" tactic aims to target and remove those responsible for crime in the Clifton area.

The force said is had been called to the area 59 times in January.

Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Clarke said the initiative provided a "significant opportunity to implement positive change in Clifton."

Announced in December by Home Secretary James Cleverly, the Clear Hold Build strategy was designed to reclaim and rebuild neighbourhoods affected by organised crime.

The Clifton project is the first of its kind to be run in North Yorkshire, with a second project to be launched later this month in the Barrowcliff area of Scarborough.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said the initiative would unfold in three stages.

They said an initial stage would see targeted patrols tackle offences from "low level anti-social behaviour to more serious crime such as drug dealing and robbery".

A second stage would then "take a hold over the area" to prevent further problems developing.

And a final stage would involve police, the council and the local community working together, to build "resilience" against criminal activity.

Michael Pavlovic, executive member for housing, planning and safer communities from the City of York Council said: "We have seen from other areas employing the Clear Hold Build approach that, when the fear of crime goes, communities come together to rebuild.

"We will work in partnership with other organisations and charities and, crucially, our residents to ensure they feel safe on their streets and in their homes."