Robberies have fallen by 17% in the 10 targeted areas

The study, carried out by inspectors of eight different services, criticises the lack of treatment available for offenders addicted to drugs and the role of the Crown Prosecution Service.

It says the scheme, in 10 street crime hotspots across England, is an "undoubted success" because it has reduced street crime by 17%.

But it also pinpoints many areas of under-achievement, with two aspects - drug addiction services and fast-track prosecutions - particularly highlighted as not working effectively.

I am going to have to go out and commit crime because drugs are expensive Michael, Drug addict An offender's experience Failings behind crime initiative

The study looked at the first year of the drive launched by Tony Blair in 2002.

Merseyside in particular has had big successes, with robberies down 41% and one fast-tracked offender being jailed for five years within two days of being arrested.

The inspectors also identify "other major achievements" including better support for victims and witnesses, especially the introduction of video ID parades.

But the report also says there has been uncertainty over funding, poor communication between agencies and disquiet at having policing priorities imposed on forces.

Drug problems

It says a target to treat drug-using offenders within 24 hours of release from custody was never met, despite claims that it had been.

The inspectors found addicts were indeed assessed within 24 hours, but routinely given an appointment for treatment which was not until three or four months later.

SCHEME SUCCESS Focused on 10 areas Robberies down 17% in a year across those areas About 17,000 fewer offences

By then, 97% of people in some areas missed their appointment.

The report also criticises a so-called "premium" service, introduced by the Crown Prosecution Service to improve robbery prosecutions.

It says too many trials collapsed because police failed to consult lawyers before charging suspects.

'Not a failure'

Shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin told BBC News: "The report makes very clear that a critical component of any long-term strategy to reduce low-level crime on our streets is to deal with the problem of the young hard-drug users.

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"And the way to deal with that is intensive absence-based rehabilitation treatment."

Caroline Flint, the Home Office minister in charge of tackling drug crime, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that a "much more joined up approach" was needed to tackle drugs and crime.

"Agencies need to work better together," she said.

But Ms Flint denied the initiative had been a failure.

"Its main aim was to tackle robbery on our streets," she told Today.

THE MERSEYSIDE EXAMPLE Since the initiative began in April 2002: Total disorder incidents: -22% Robbery: -41% 1,563 arrests for street crime

Sir Keith Povey, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said the initiative was "a groundbreaking, speedy and robust response to an urgent problem which achieved a great deal".

"But in order to achieve a sustainable reduction in street crime it is equally important to focus on preventing re-offending through the rehabilitation and resettlement of offenders," he said.

'New ways of working'

Home Secretary David Blunkett said the initiative had been an "outstanding success", and praised the police forces involved for working so hard.

He conceded that some parts of the scheme had not worked "as well as they should".

THE TEN AREAS OF STREET CRIME (BY POLICE FORCE) Avon and Somerset Thames Valley Metropolitan Nottingham South Yorkshire West Yorkshire Lancashire Merseyside Greater Manchester West Midlands

But he said the scheme was ongoing and such problems could be ironed out.

"That is exactly why we started the Street Crime Initiative - to look at new ways of working, to bridge gaps and make parts of the system work together better," he said.

The Street Crime Initiative has the long-term aim of reducing robbery by 14% by 2005 from 1999 levels.

It has a �67m budget but this is only guaranteed until March 2004.

The report concludes the initiative has not yet proved itself good enough to be extended to tackle other areas of crime.

The eight inspectorates involved in Tuesday's report covered the police, schools, the prosecution service; courts and magistrates; prisons; probation and social services.