POLICE say crime has halved in Verwood since they launched a crackdown in the summer.

The force launched Operation Keeper in July after a spike in low-level crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre and Potterne Park.

The police and East Dorset District Council have been using powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to send away troublemakers. They can also take home anyone under 16 acting antisocially in public between 9pm and 6am.

PC Andy Robertson, of Verwood Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Total recorded crime in Verwood halved from 58 reports in July, 2013 to 27 in August, 2013. We also saw a dramatic fall in the number of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour in the hot spot areas of the recreation ground and Potterne Park between July and September.

“The purpose of this operation is not to make Verwood a youth-free zone but take action against those who continue to cause problems.

“Since the operation started we have seen an increase in the use of facilities at the recreation ground and Potterne Park by local youths who say they feel more comfortable in these areas because the police are dealing with the individuals who previously made the areas intimidating and uninviting.

“The feedback we have received from the public has been excellent.” He said the operation continued to target a handful of individuals who regularly caused problems.

“We have been careful to be proportionate and fair but make no apologies for being firm and decisive with certain people,” he added.

In August, the police secured a criminal-related anti-social behaviour order (Crasbo) against an 18-year-old man from Verwood following convictions for shoplifting and public order offences. He was later imprisoned for breaching a six-month suspended sentence and the Crasbo.

County council leader Cllr Spencer Flower, Verwood’s town, district and county councillor, said the police had tackled a problem caused by a small minority of people. “They’ve done a really good job,” he said.

“Verwood is always pretty safe anyway. We just had this little peak of anti-social behaviour. I think the perception generally is things are back to normal in Verwood.”