POLICE forces in the region have hailed new crime figures as proof that the North-East and North Yorkshire are among the safest places in the country to live.

Statistics compiled as part of the British Crime Survey, which questions tens of thousands of people and is used as the benchmark for Government targets, show the overall number of offences is down.

Total crime in the three North-East forces - Northumbria, County Durham and Cleveland - has fallen by four per cent, while in North Yorkshire it is down 7.2 per cent, according to the figures.

The Home Office statistics also show violent crime has gone down by three per cent, although official police figures indicate a 12 per cent rise in violence. Forces chiefs say the discrepancy is caused by a new recording system, a record number of police officers registering offences and an increasing willingness of the public to make complaints.

Durham Chief Constable Paul Garvin said: "County Durham and Darlington continue to be among the safest places to live and, in fact, we have the second lowest rate of violent crime in the country. But we are very much aware of the concerns which still exist over general disorder and anti-social behaviour."

North Yorkshire's Deputy Chief Constable, Roger Baker, said: "This remains a fine place to live and work. The Home Office figures for last year show North Yorkshire Police as a force moving up another gear.

"Now is the time to accelerate towards even better performance and even better care for the community we serve."

Cleveland Assistant Chief Constable Derek Bonnard pointed to recent successes, helped by initiatives such as Operation Sabre, which were "putting the fear of crime onto the criminals".

Northumbria Deputy Chief Constable Michael Craik said: "I would like to reassure the people of Northumbria that we have the strongest possible commitment to making them feel safe in their homes and communities."