Street crime hotspots

Avon and Somerset Greater London Greater Manchester Lancashire Merseyside Nottinghamshire South Yorkshire Thames Valley West Midlands West Yorkshire

Crimes such as robbery, firearms offences, snatch thefts and carjacking will all be fast-tracked through the courts.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, said: "While crime in general is falling, street crime is on the rise.

"In order to tackle this, the government has announced a focused programme of action in the 10 worst affected areas of the country.

"Street crime is being given a priority throughout the criminal justice system from arrest through to conviction.

"The courts, of course, have a vital part to play in ensuring cases are dealt with swiftly.

Video parades

"In order to deal with these cases most effectively, 67 courts in the 10 areas with the biggest problem are being designated specialist street crime courts.

"We are determined to tackle the problem of street crime."

Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said: "These courts are a vital step in ensuring swift and effective action to tackle street crime.

"They will build on the work of the police in bringing more of these offenders to justice.

"New video ID parades to protect witnesses from intimidation are being rolled out to all ten areas.

"While crime overall is down, street crime is rising.

"If we are to succeed in turning this tide we must continue to work to ensure that the processes are in place right across the system to bring about the real and lasting differences that will make people feel safer."