POLICE in Taunton have been burning the midnight oil in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour in and around the Halcon Estate.

Throughout the summer, Operation Grouse has been targeting those people involved in crime and anti-social behaviour across the Halcon, Holway and Pyrland beats.

Police investigations revealed that the majority of offences were being carried out at night, with a small number of prolific offenders often involved.

As a result, in July and August, Neighbourhood Beat Teams worked a series of night shifts to catch offenders.

In July this led to 13 arrests and two Misuse of Drugs and Theft Act warrants being executed, while in August there was 14 arrests and two Theft Act warrants executed.

Neighbourhood Beat Team head for the Taunton East cluster, PS Andy Murphy, said: "During these night time crackdowns we have targeted the people we know are responsible for crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Many local people may not have seen much of the activity and might have asked why we were not out and about around the neighbourhood during the day - rest assured we were being proactive during the hours of darkness.

"What this has allowed my officers to do is take ownership of problems and issues around their beats and do everything possible to help local residents enjoy a peaceful life, which they deserve."

But there will be no let up for offenders, day or night, around the Taunton East area.

PS Murphy added: "If you are committing crime or making other residents' lives a misery, action will be taken against you and you face arrest by the police.

"There will continue to be targeted patrols at all hours of the day to reassure the community that we are aware of local issues and concerns and will do what we can to ally fears and arrest offenders."