TARGETS set a year ago for reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in a North-East town have been reached.

But on the first anniversary of his Raising Hope initiative, Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon warned: "We have to do even more."

Former detective Mr Mallon launched the project last October and promised to cut crime in the town by 15 per cent.

At a conference yesterday he revealed how overall crime is down 17 per cent, house burglaries have been slashed by almost 35 per cent and car crime has been cut by a quarter.

Middlesbrough now has 72 street wardens - the biggest community protection force in the country - and a £1m closed circuit television centre which has helped with 170 arrests in the last three months.

Mr Mallon said: "I expect to see crime reduced further in the next 12 months. Bearing in mind we have had a 17 per cent reduction, I think it is reasonable to ask for a two per cent further reduction in crime.

"I am convinced in a year's time I will be able to come back here and say we have reduced crime further."

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar praised the initiative and said he would be informing Home Secretary David Blunkett about the success.

The Labour MP, a supporter of Mr Mallon's zero tolerance policing methods, said: "I passionately believe crime must be tackled energetically.

"I want to show my very strong support for Mayor Mallon and his vision for a town free from fear of crime, which is also a vision for my party and my Government."

Council chief executive Brian Dinsdale added: "Raising Hope is about the council, the police and other partners working together to provide solutions to the problems we have with crime, anti-social behaviour and the environment. Clear progress has been made on these issues."

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