YOUNG offenders who bring misery to communities are to be targeted under a tough new crime crackdown, warn police and St Helens Council.

The 'catch and convict' drive, led by police and St Helens Council, will see persistent offenders fast-tracked through courts after being charged.

Following convictions offenders will be placed in rehabilitation schemes in an attempt to reduce the risks of being sucked into a life of crime.

Leaders of the project say evidence shows troublemakers are less likely to re-offend once they have been convicted. Convicted offenders will be warned they face a quick return to court if they continue to break the law. Drug users will also be targeted and undergo treatment to break or prevent addictions.

St Helens Chief Superintendent Andy Ward said: "The work we are doing to target persistent offenders is ongoing and includes a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, which may lead young people to become involved in criminal activity." He also claimed statistics show several forms of crime in the borough have fallen significantly: "In the three months from April to June this year, compared with the same period last year, there has been a 41 per cent reduction in burglary, robbery is down 60 per cent, vehicle thefts are down by 48 per cent and thefts from cars by 10 per cent.

"The public should be reassured that we are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder issues and this should send out a strong message to offenders that we are watching you and will take positive action with the courts to deal quickly with persistent offenders."