THE head of Cleveland police hopes a reduction in crime figures and financial restructuring will see the force lose its "in crisis" tag.

Crime in Cleveland fell by 8pc in the past financial year, compared with the previous 12 months. This equates to 5,980 fewer victims of crime, with 2,000 fewer burglary victims.

At the same time, detection rates increased to 24.5pc.

The force has made budget savings of £10m, which it says have put it back on an even keel.

Chief constable Sean Price said: "These remarkable figures are testimony to the hard work and dedication of the staff and officers of Cleveland police and our partners.

"I do believe the time has come to draw a line on the past and judge the force on its current performance.

"We are neither beleaguered nor in crisis. We are a focused force determined to build on the success of the past year."

Compared to the same period in the previous year, house burglaries were down by almost 30pc; vehicle crime dropped by 19pc and robberies fell by more than 33pc.

The only significant rise was in violent crime - a trend mirrored nationally. A police spokesman said: "Much of it represents low-level thuggery and alcohol-fuelled violence.

"These offences, although taken seriously by the police and a priority for the future, result in minor or no physical injury, but have inflated the recorded violent crime figures."

Ted Cox, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, hailed the latest overall figures as a cause for celebration.

He said: "Some months ago I expressed my conviction that, by the end of the financial and statistical year in March, we would be able to look back with satisfaction at what has been achieved. I am delighted my confidence was not misplaced.

"What is especially pleasing is that the reductions have been achieved across the force area, and major inroads have been made into many of the crimes which cause most concern."