A POLICE force has hit back at criticism published in a national report.

The Audit Commission this week revealed only 17 of the 43 forces in England and Wales are recording crime to National Crime Recording Standards.

Under the Commission's 'traffic light' rating system on crime recording, Cleveland Police was given a red rating .

But Cleveland has hit back saying the fault was purely an administrative one - while its officers are catching criminals.

A Force spokesman said: "For the past six consecutive months Cleveland Police has brought down crime and performed well. It is a consistency that is very bad news for criminals in our area and, as a result, has saved thousands of people the misery of becoming a victim - particularly of the offending that causes most upset such as house burglary.

"This Audit Commission report looks at administrative processes. It shows there is a need to tighten up on our paper work in some areas and there will be no complacency on our part in doing that.

"Steps have been taken to ensure improvements in compliance with the required national crime recording guidelines with a key action to enhance the awareness on NCRS requirements amongst all operational staff."