POLICE in Teesdale have warned that neither they nor the public can become complacent, despite widespread drops in crime rates.

For the period between April 1 and November 30, there was an overall reduction in crime of 18.8 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Across the dale, 541 crimes were committed, making Teesdale the safest force in the county, with only 42 crimes per 1,000 population.

The detection rate of crime is up, from 24.2 per cent last year to 37.9 per cent this year.

A crime is classed as being detected when someone is held accountable for it by police.

In Barnard Castle, there were 185 crimes committed, down 30.5 per cent from 266 in the same period last year.

Police have highlighted assaults as one main area of concern, with 124 offences this year in the dale signalling a 36.3 per cent rise. Detection rates have, however, increased, with 68.5 per cent of assaults being detected.

House burglary fell by 70 per cent in Teesdale as a whole and 90 per cent in Barnard Castle, with only one crime being committed in the town in the period between April and November.

Inspector Kevin Tuck said: "With regards to burglary of dwellings I would say that people shouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security.

"If people from other areas come into Teesdale and see that people are soft touches when it comes to looking after their property, then crime of this type will rise."

Burglary of outhouses and sheds still remains prevalent in Teesdale.

Despite a fall of 43.3 per cent, 54 burglaries were committed, with a detection rate of 9.3 per cent.

Insp Tuck said: "We are concerned about rural break-ins to garages, outbuildings and sheds.

"Across both Teesdale and Weardale, there have been numerous attacks on caravans at our holiday parks and winter storage sites.

"Extra patrols have been targeted on these locations and the roads around recent crimes.

"The public can play their part by making it as difficult as possible for thieves to take and sell their property."

Criminal damage accounted for more than a third of all crimes in Teesdale, with 186 crimes committed. However, police said they were pleased with the 36 per cent fall in criminal damage in Barnard Castle.

Insp Tuck said: "Although the latest figures remain encouraging, neither the police nor the public can afford to become complacent.

"At this time of year we can see a general rise in crime on the lead-up to the festive period with darker nights. This is exactly what has occurred in December in Teesdale."

The figures do not take into account crimes which took place in High Etherley, Toft Hill, Evenwood, Ramshaw or Hamsterley village, as they are covered by Bishop Auckland police.