VIOLENT crime will get a hammering as a new initiative codenamed Safer Streets is launched to tackle the problem across the Thames Valley.

The six-month crackdown, which begins on September 23, will incorporate lessons learned from the Safer Homes burglary campaign that ran last year.

It will be aimed at 15 to 35 year olds and will focus on alcohol-related violent crime, robbery of young people and replica guns.

Armed officers say they are attending an increasing number of incidents where replica guns are involved, and, because it is difficult to tell the difference between imitation and real firearms, there are concerns a young person will end up being shot by police.

Assistant chief constable Katherine Govier of Thames Valley Police, said: "Safer Streets will focus on making it safer and more enjoyable to go out in our towns and cities at night.

"We will put pressure on people who get drunk and violent and robbers who prey on young people, students and those who wish to enjoy a peaceful evening out."

There will be a three-pronged attack: the first part being an operation codenamed Hangover, which will focus on persistent offenders with high-visibility patrols in concentrated areas.

Officers will work closely with local authorities, related organisations and licensees to ensure appropriate crime reduction tips are getting through to potential victims.

The next part of the campaign will deal with robberies of young people and there will be a renewal of the initiative that began in 2002.

Information from crime reports and intelligence will be used to direct officer activity on a daily basis.

The final part will deal with the rise in the number of people with replica firearms, as well as raise awareness of new legislation which makes it illegal to carry imitation or air weapons in public, and the danger people put themselves in by carrying these weapons.

Violent crime accounts for 21 per cent of total crime across the force.

If you would like to find out more about the Safer Streets campaign, log onto www.thamesvalley.police.uk/saferstreets

Tracey Harris