NEW figures show that the number of assault and robberies has been slashed by a third since the 18 extra officers went on the beat in April.

Overall crime has also dropped by five per cent, while violent crime is said to have fallen by six per cent.

The city council funded the year-long £500,000 scheme to pay for the additional officers with the specific aim of tackling antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related crime in the city centre.

The success of the scheme will be reviewed next April, when city chiefs will decide whether to continue funding the extra officers.

Both the city council and Lothian and Borders Police have hailed the first half of the initiative a major success.

Chief Inspector Kevin Murray, from the central policing team, said: "The team have achieved a number of notable arrests during the summer months for public disorder, repeat crime and drug dealing.

"In my view, our communities can only benefit from this joint commitment."

He said that during the Festival, one of the force's busiest months, the overall recorded crime was down 46 per cent against the average over the past three years. The overall number of crimes solved is also said to have increased by eight per cent.

However, business leaders remain sceptical, saying the latest figures simply reflect the fact that fewer crimes are being reported.

Graham Russell, chairman of the Edinburgh Federation of Small Businesses, said shoplifting rates were as high as they had ever been - despite the figures showing a ten per cent reduction in the past six months.

Mr Russell said: "What this actually means is a ten per cent drop in reporting shoplifting.

"A lot of our members say they have given up reporting thefts because nothing gets done about it and there's a big difference between the two.

"Our members are reporting that small businesses are still suffering from crime, including broken windows, shoplifting and damage to vehicles.

"Our members are also suffering physical harm, especially convenience stores."

As part of the crackdown on city centre crime, an extra CCTV camera has been added on George Street particularly targeting night time antisocial behaviour and violence.

The council's pilot licensing standards initiative - which was due to end last month - tackling antisocial behaviour in pubs, clubs and off-licences in the centre of Edinburgh has also been extended to April.

Councillor Paul Edie, the city's community safety leader, said: "Edinburgh's city centre is thriving, with residents and visitors flocking to the area to shop, work and enjoy its vibrant nightlife.

"This flourishing area requires a particular investment in policing to ensure that people can go about their business in peace and safety. We are delighted to see that our additional funding, for 18 police officers, together with the highly-successful partnership working, has already had such a positive impact on crime levels in this area."

FIGURES REVEALED
Thirty-three per cent fall in assault and robbery, with a five per cent increase in crimes which are solved.

• Ten per cent reduction in shoplifting.
• Five per cent reduction crimes including dishonesty, vandalism, drugs, and sex attacks.
• Eleven per cent reduction in serious assault, with 22 per cent increase in crimes solved. Minor assaults down from 211 to 124.
• Six per cent reduction in overall violent crime.
• Breaches of the peace down from 114 to 70.