A FALL in crime has seen police in the Teesdale area of County Durham record the lowest levels of offences in the area for ten years.

The latest crime statistics unveiled by police show that there were 376 fewer victims of crime this year in Teesdale than in 2003-04.

The figure has fallen from 901 crimes in 2003-04 to 525 this year. This represents a reduction of almost 42 per cent.

During the last decade house burglaries and criminal damage have fallen by 58 per cent in the area while the theft of vehicles have dropped by 72 per cent.

Reports of anti-social behaviour have fallen from 750 four years ago to 511 this year, a reduction of 32 per cent.

While the police have also revealed that the total number of crimes in Teesdale between April 1 2012 and March 31 2013 was 525.

The number of crimes for the period between April 1 2011 and March 31 2012 was 597.

Sergeant Simon Rogers, of Barnard Castle Police, said: “Reducing the number of crime victims is at the heart of what we do and these figures are good news for the people of Teesdale. “While all of this is good news for residents we are not complacent.

“The public can be confident that we are committed to tackling criminals, protecting neighbourhoods and solving problems around the clock.

“The area remains one of the safest places in the country to live, work and socialise.”