A CHRISTMAS crackdown on drink-related crime has resulted in massive reductions in offences over the period.

Figures released this week show that incidents of damage in the Nantwich Road area came down by 80 per cent from November.

Nantwich police have also enjoyed considerable success in combating acts of damage.

The operations saw officers patrolling problem areas on foot in order to prevent crime and disorder.

PC Rory Davis, from Crewe and Nantwich's Community Action Team, said the results had been very positive: "This was very successful as only one person was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and he was acting alone.

"Whilst the police cannot aim to have regular foot patrols, this operation does prove that targeted patrols do have a positive effect," he added.

Police targeted problem areas in Nantwich including the Wyche County Primary School, where offenders had been seen drinking in the grounds and climbing on the steeply pitched roofs.

PC Davis said: "Youths were in the habit of drinking in the grounds and then climbing onto the roofs. While the damage caused was quite deliberate, it was clear that the offenders could fall and this could easily prove fatal."

Patrols visited the school regularly and although some youths were spoken to nearby, no offenders were located. However, there have been no further signs of damage for several weeks.

PC Davis added: "The police also wish to commend the large numbers of revellers who were good-humoured throughout the festive period."