A CRACKDOWN on violent crime and public disorder in Bromsgrove has proved to be a smash hit with a huge fall in the number of recorded incidents.

Operation Tango, a two-month initiative, set up by Bromsgrove and Redditch police, was launched in July.

The month of August had the lowest recorded number of violent crimes and public order offences so far this year.

On average each month there are 800 public order incidents such as shouting and swearing in public in both towns but in August the number dropped to 674.

Usually there are 175 violent crimes recorded in the division each month but during August there were 115.

The initiative involved high visibility patrols, particularly at weekends, and computer-based intelligence led police which involves analysing past crime patterns and searching databases.

High visibility patrols are used to target specific areas, reassure the public and reduce the fear of crime.

Insp Ian Joseph said: "We are pleased with the results of Operation Tango.

"Violent crime and disorder is always a priority for the police, however for these two months we have concentrated our efforts in this area and they have been a success."

Violent crime and public disorder includes a wide variety of offences ranging from domestic violence, sexual offences and robbery through to pub fights and people shouting and swearing in public.

During the two-month operation 180 arrests were made including one for an incident of attempted murder in Charford.