the latest figures have shown that the ongoing drive to reduce crime in the Teesside area has been a success, with the number of incidents falling.

The figures show overall crime in the Cleveland Police Force area fell by 18.3 per cent in August, compared to the same month last year. Detections also increased 3.6 per cent.

Now, all four district commanders across the force area have been commended for the success of their officers by Cleveland Police Authority chairman Ted Cox.

Mr Cox said: "What is particularly encouraging is that all the evidence demonstrates there is a sustained trend in the right direction throughout the force area.

"The results for the past three months underline the point. For the period from June to August, overall crime fell by 14.2 per cent and the detection rate was up by 3.1 per cent.

"This really is an impressive performance, which is why I have written to the district commanders to ask them to express the thanks of the authority for the enormous efforts put in by their officers to make our streets safer, and life for the criminals a lot tougher."

Every one of the four force districts recorded good results. In Hartlepool, crime was down by 35.2 per cent and detections rose by 12.3 per cent.

Crime was also down by 13.6 per cent in Langbaurgh, 16.6 per cent in Middlesbrough and 11 per cent in Stockton.

Mr Cox said: "It is these kinds of results which really do make a difference to people's lives, for example it means that in August this year 342 less homes were burgled than in August last year, 125 fewer vehicles were stolen and 237 less were broken into.

"It is important to stress August was particularly remarkable in delivering a reduction in virtually every category of crime, with the biggest falls in those activities which cause so much distress to so many people.

"I am sure I am speaking for every law-abiding citizen in the area when I pay tribute to everyone involved with the police for a remarkable achievement, which I am convinced can be maintained.