ACTION by a newly-created anti-crime unit has had a major impact on criminals and crime in the Andover area since it was set up in September, say police.

"We have been told by those in the criminal community that we have them 'looking over their shoulders' so they are now on the back foot," said Detective Sergeant Gareth George, who heads the proactive team.

The new unit has the task of actively seeking out those involved in criminal activity rather than waiting to respond to crimes that have been committed and reported to police. The team has two sections - officers, often in plain clothes, who seek out intelligence and an operational section whose officers go out and actively arrest people.

They have made extensive use of warrants and search powers. In particular they target those believed to be involved in burglary, car crime and in the supply of Class 'A' drugs.

"Acting on information received we have made 50 arrests since September and charged people with burglary, handling offences, taking vehicles without consent, theft from motor vehicles and class 'A' drug trafficking and possession," he added.

"Known criminals and those people of whom we are suspicious are targeted for stop checking."

The arrests are over and above those made in response to specifically reported crimes.

The number of warrants executed by the proactive team is running at one a week.