DORSET Police have claimed victory in their fight against anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

Extra officers were drafted in and made 574 arrests for violence-related crime and public disorder during the eight weeks of Operation Protect.

The latest figures, announced at the end of the intelligence-led initiative, show that 22 per cent more arrests were made compared with the same period last year.

Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting said he was reassured that the number of actual assaults in Dorset had only risen by two.

He said: "We have got violent criminals on the run in Dorset and this is a great result in terms of the on-going fight against violent crime. I'm extremely proud and pleased that we've been able to take these offenders off the streets.

"But just because Operation Protect has run its course, doesn't mean that we won't still be tracking violent criminals.

"We've had many more officers patrolling the streets - which not only helps to reassure the public but has also increased public safety, due to the increased number of arrests for public order offences and drunken behaviour.

"However, violent crime is still continuing to increase and this is a recognised national problem."

Mr Whiting added: "Officers have been increasing their intelligence-gathering activity by focusing on repeat offenders, and areas that repeatedly have problems in relation to violent crime and disorder.

"Although we are coming to the end of Operation Protect, we're still very committed to reducing violent crime in the county, to make this an even safer place for everyone."

The next major operation for Dorset Police aims to cut down the number of burglaries in the county.