POLICE in Taunton have seen a 36% reduction in criminal damage in Halcon since January this year.

The reduction is directly linked to the successful 'Operation Grouse', which started in January.

In the last six months, there have been 91 reported offences of criminal damage on the estate. This is a reduction of over a third in comparison to the same time period in 2006 with 143 offences.

One success during this operation was the arrest of a 13-year-old boy, who led a small group of friends intent on causing criminal damage and anti-social behaviour within the estate.

Other successes include residents coming forward with information during police investigations, allowing officers to arrest those involved.

The continued support of the Halcon and Lambrook Local Action Teams has also played its part in reducing crime by feeding information to Police and the Local Authority.

PC Chris May and PC Alison Menday, supported by PCSOs Sean Roper and Khris Roulston, are running the operation. Other force resources and external support groups such as the Taunton Deane Borough Council Housing Officers have also helped them in the fight against crime.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Murphy said: "We are very pleased to see this dramatic reduction in criminal damage on the Halcon estate. However, we will not become complacent and will continue to catch other offenders and further reduce crime.

"The operation will continue through the summer holidays and we encourage residents to report those involved in crime to their neighbourhood team at the police on 0845-4567000. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111."

He added: "Every report of criminal damage to us will be fully investigated."