Sex offences, violence and vandalism continue to rise on Teesside.

Cleveland Police have recorded a 46 percent jump in reports of violence - almost 3,000 more offences than the year before - while 2,300 offences of criminal damage were reported.

But the Force says new Home Office counting methods are distorting a picture which should otherwise show a big reduction in overall crime. Cleveland police say sex crimes have risen because more "historical offences'' are being reported.

House burglaries are down by more than 11 percent, compared to the same period last year, which there is a 12 percent drop in auto crime. There is a 5.5 percent reduction in robberies.

Assistant Chief Constable Adam Briggs said: "The good news today is that the offending, which affects most people, is down. There are 837 fewer victims of house burglary, 624 fewer people had their garages or sheds broken into and there are 1,800 fewer victims of vehicle crime.'' "We have seen major falls in thefts and forgery and 79 fewer victims of robbery. It all makes a difference in the quality of life to people in our communities.''

He said all but for a change in the counting rules, the Force would have achieved a "major reduction'' in crime figures.

He said: "Despite the slight rise in crime of one percent the Force has been successful - particularly in the offences the Government wanted us to prioritise.''

Mr Briggs insisted there would be no let up in the fight against crime, with a range of initiatives were already planned.

"We have no intention of letting things rest. Our aim if to put the people of Cleveland first and with the help of our partners, relentlessly drive down crime and improve the quality of life in our communities.''