PARTNERSHIP work is helping to reduce crime levels across a policing district.

The Durham force believes the work of a multi-agency task force is starting to pay dividends in the Chester-le-Street and Durham City division.

Figures for the year to March 31 show a drop in recorded offences of 14.3 per cent, from 11,641 in 2001-02 to 9,944 in the past financial year.

The latest update suggests that the trend is being maintained, with the co-ordinated efforts of several organisations said to have played a part.

Police said by targeting known offenders and putting resources into crime hot-spots house burglaries have fallen by 21 per cent in Durham, and 37 per cent in Chester-le-Street, while the drop in vehicle crime in both areas is between 18 and 22 per cent.

Incidents of vehicle interference, such as broken wing mirrors or tampered locks, also fell by more than 50 per cent in Durham and 24 per cent in Chester-le-Street.

Sergeant Paul Anderson said all those involved in the drop in crime levels deserved praise.

However, he said: "We are not going to rest on our laurels."

"These figures are very encouraging, particularly when you consider the national backdrop of changes in the way certain crimes are recorded.

"As a result, some parts of the country have seen substantial rises in the figures, so it is pleasing to see the multi-agency approach having such a positive effect in the north of County Durham."

Sgt Andreson praised the efforts of the joint Burglary and Motor Vehicle Action Group.

The group comprises representatives from bodies including police, local authorities, county council, pro- bation service, victim support, the Durham Initiative for Safer Communities and Durham University.