A POLICE force blitz on crime in known hotspots is starting to pay dividends, according to new figures.

The latest statistics released by Cleveland Police show a reduction of 273 recorded offences last month compared with the same period in the previous year.

One in four crimes were solved as detection rates rose to just over 26 percent.

Assistant Chief Constable Adam Briggs said: "The figures show our drive against crime is effective and continuing to target the right areas. Fewer people are falling victim to offending and we are catching more criminals.

"It is good news for our communities and bad news for the criminal fraternity."

He added: "Our detection rate is rising and for January stands at just over 26 percent. We hope to see that improve over the months ahead."

Last month, there were 6,001 crimes, with violent offences again the only blip in the latest data.

A purge on car crime through Operation Hatch, which was launched last year, has resulted in the arrest of four prolific thieves.

Figures for robbery, house burglary and break-ins to sheds, garages and commercial properties all dropped.

In the current financial year, the crime rate is down by eight per cent, from 62,124 to 57,153 offences.

In the individual districts, Stockton showed a 15 per cent fall in offending, Hartlepool a 9.6 per cent reduction and Langbaurgh enjoyed a 2.9 per cent drop. In Middlesbrough, offending rose by 7.6 percent - the equivalent of five crimes a day.