STOCKTON is officially the safest place to live in the Tees Valley, according to new crime figures.

Statistics released by Cleveland Police up to March this year show the town is 21 per cent below the regional average for recorded crime and 47 per cent below Middlesbrough.

Despite Stockton having the largest population in the Tees Valley, having increased by more than 11,700 in five years, the total crime rate for the borough has reduced by 34 per cent.

Geoff Lee, Chairman of the Safer Stockton Partnership, said: "Despite what some may claim, Stockton has the lowest crime rate in the Tees Valley and were thrilled about it. "The simple message to the public of Stockton is that crime has never been lower and you have never been safer."

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: "Cleveland Police, Stockton Borough Council and Cleveland Fire Service have all worked hard to contribute to our winning success in clamping down on crime.

"We identified the public's concerns and vigorously tackled them. "And we want the public to rest assured we will continue working to keep reducing crime."

To find out more about the Safer Stockton Partnership, visit: www.saferstockton.com.