Crime has reduced by 61 per cent in the last year among some of Lambeth's most serious offenders, according to a review carried out this month.

A prolific and persistent offenders scheme run by the council, police and probation service has targeted 150 young criminals in the borough.

Recent figures show that offences among those on the scheme have reduced by 66 per cent over the last four years and by 61 per cent among the offenders taken on to the scheme in the past year.

The project - based at the Stockwell probation office - identifies persistent offenders and carries out intensive work to reduce their offending.

It also carries out surveillance and enforcement action where offending is taking place, and helps adults into training, employment, accommodation and drug treatment.

Simon Harding, Assistant Director for Community Safety at Lambeth Council said: "The project is not just about enforcement but also getting to the root causes of criminal behaviour and giving people the employment and other opportunities they need to keep on the straight and narrow."