Over the twelve month period December 2008-9, total recorded crime in Cleveland reduced by 13% in comparison with the preceding twelve months. This compares with an average reduction of 12% across the region and 7% nationally.

This means that there were over 6,000 fewer victims of crime in the Cleveland Police area.

Cleveland also showed significant reductions in the individual categories of robbery (down 30%), violence against the person (down 14%), house burglary (down 17%) and fraud and forgery (down 30%).

Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Sean Price said: “We know that crime is currently the lowest it has been in Cleveland and the good news is that there continue to be reductions. The Home Office figures released confirm that we are performing very well in comparison with other Forces, and we are particularly delighted to have achieved such significant reductions in our priority areas of robbery, violence and house burglary.

“Cleveland Police also has one of the highest levels of public confidence in the country, which is down to the success of Neighbourhood Policing and Putting People First.

“But we will never be complacent about crime figures and we will continue to build on this success by working with our communities and other partners to address the issues that really matter to the people of Cleveland.”

Added Cleveland Police Authority Chair, Councillor Dave McLuckie “As an Authority we represent the people served by the Force in ensuring that they receive efficient, effective and accountable policing. Once again these latest figures demonstrate that we are delivering on those responsibilities.

“We have been able to achieve consistent reductions in crime and increasing levels of detection by putting resources where they matter... into front-line policing. We are determined to maintain that commitment despite the very significant financial pressures which we know we will face in the next few years, in common with every other authority and force.

“That is why we are working to examine every possible way in which we can maintain and indeed further improve policing where it really matters...on our streets and in our communities...at the same time as protecting the interests of all our staff and officers.”