POLICE have called time on an operation set up to crack down on drunks, drug users and begging in Hereford.

Operation Castlemain was launched last summer due to an increase in antisocial behaviour during day time hours. And with the operation now over – at least on paper – police say the scheme’s success can be measured by the positive feedback received.

Inspector Nick Semper, from West Mercia Police, said: “We had got a perceived problem with persons under the influence during day light hours. The objective was to give people a life worth living.

“You can’t arrest your way out of a medical or social problem. We lost one person a month from January to May 2014 with people overdosing or being found dead.”

Operation Castlemain saw police crack down on areas like the Castle Green and High Town where persistent offending occurred.

A primary and secondary group of offenders were targeted, with many given Criminal Behaviour Orders which restricted where they could go.

Offenders were then supported by a number of agencies and organisations where possible, in a bid to help them in the long-term.

An independent study which measured public perception before and after the operation indicates a notable improvement with residents now less worried about anti social behaviour, drunken behaviour and street drinking.

Police say the ethos of the operation will continue.