Operation Gemini involved officers from Northumbria Police rewarding "well-behaved" youngsters in the city's west end with free tickets for ten pin bowling and free entry into leisure facilities.

When the scheme was trialled during the school holidays in 2002, the force saw reported incidents of youth crime halved.

During the school break this year, officers have seen a further 50% reduction.

The operation also involved more foot and cycle patrols and initiatives tackling underage drinking.

'Excellent example'

Now the force is looking to further build on the operation again in 2004.

Inspector Alan Patterson, of Northumbria Police, said: " This is an excellent example of the good partnership work being done throughout the Northumbria area.

"We're now working with our partners to see how we can build on the operation next year to widen the scope of activities.

"This year the operation went very well. There has been a significant reduction in youth disorder in the area and we have had excellent feedback from the local community.

"These positive results could not have been achieved without the help of partners, including New Deal for Communities and Newcastle City Council.

"A number of arrests were made for disorderly behaviour, but generally we found the young people in the area were well-behaved and we issued free tickets for ten pin bowling and leisure centre activities."