POLICE say a major clampdown on violence, drug dealing and nuisance behaviour launched in Newport city centre over the weekend was a success.

The clampdown called Operation Derker saw 25-30 arrests.

During normal weekend nights there are around 10 officers patrolling the city centre but more than 20 extra officers were drafted in from Friday night.

Sergeant Martin Smith said: "There was a significant increase in the number of arrests in drunk and disorderly and public disorder this weekend compared to the usual number."

Police vans were fitted with CCTV surveillance equipment to ensure offenders were identified and extra police staff were patrolling the city centre during the operation, which ran from 8pm to 4am, Friday to Sunday.

Inspector Daniel Taylor said the increased police presence in the town was an advantage.

"During the course of the weekend nuisance behaviour had decreased as a result of higher police visibility.

"We had a lot of arrests on Friday and Saturday night of public disorder and drunken disorder.

"Word must have got around and we have had a lot of officers out in the town, this has had an impact on disorder and it's been a positive operation."

The operation was launched in response to a rise in violence and disorder in Newport during the summer.

Special constables and traffic police were also on hand to assist with arrests.

PC Debra White, the crime and disorder reduction officer for Newport Central police, said CCTV equipment on vans recorded anti-social behaviour and would assist with the identification of offenders.

She said the cameras with zoom facilities would also be used to pick up those dealing and using drugs in the city centre.