The street crime initiative was set up after the city was named as one of the top 10 crime hotspots in the UK.

Detectives say the 14-member squad has arrested more suspects than any in the country, except for one in a London borough.

A total of 72% of those arrested have been charged.

Identity parade

Chief Superintendent Richard Johnson insists they are not focussing on robbery at the expense of other areas of crime.

More than £1m has been spent to pay for the dedicated robbery team and other street crime initiatives.

"We are targeting people who we suspect are committing offences and it means there is less speculative arresting going on."

A part-time lawyer works alongside the robbery team and a new computerised identification parade has speeded up the process.

Last summer the number of robberies stood at 64 a week, but that has fallen to around 30, Mr Johnson said.