OPERATION Ironmill has been labelled "a triumph" by local police who believe the high profile Christmas initiative served to reduce not only the level but the fear of crime in Alton over the festive period.
According to project initiator Sergeant Simon Paine, Ironmill officers searched some 60 people during the operation and made 15 arrests.
A full version of this story will be found in the Alton Herald of January 5, 2001.