The project was successful in Blackpool

The Tower project in Blackpool targeted the town's worst offenders in a bid to reduce drug crimes such as car theft, house breakings and muggings.

Thirty of the most prolific offenders were given help to come off drugs in a co-ordinated programme with the threat of prosecution for those who did not.

Strathclyde Police is now running a pilot Tower project in Motherwell.

The "Tartan Tower" project will be extended if it repeats the success it had in Blackpool.

The aim is to target offenders caught in a cycle of drug addiction and thieving.

The Lancashire scheme provides rehabilitation services, including help with arranging doctor appointments, education, housing and advice.

Drug-addicted offender

It began in January 2002 after a massive rise in drug-related crime fuelled by a crack cocaine epidemic.

Police cracked down on the 30 offenders who had more than 1,000 convictions and 300 cases pending.

In the first year, there was a 44.8% reduction in housebreaking, 22% reduction in other burglaries, and a 25% drop in vehicle thefts.

Last year, Detective Chief Inspector Eddie Thistlethwaite, in charge of the Blackpool project, said: "Tower is very simple.

"Identify the most persistent drug-addicted offender in your town.

"Provide him or her with an instant solution which must include drug treatment, accommodation and welfare support.

"Thirdly, target with police enforcement those who are failing or refusing the help and continuing to commit crime."

The Motherwell project will target the town's 20 top offenders, who have between them notched up more than 400 convictions, with a further 196 cases still pending.

Motherwell community safety inspector John Duffy said: "As in most areas, it is the same people who are responsible for most of the crime and a lot of that crime is due to drug addiction. "It is of paramount importance in the interests of the community that we try to break the link between drug misuse and offending and this programme intends to do just that.