FIGURES for the half-way stage of the police initiative Operation Lancelot show that it is proving successful in reducing burglaries.

The operation was launched in November and is running for four months throughout Sedgefield borough.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Pearson gave an update on the operation to a meeting of the Sedgefield Burglary Action Group.

He said there was a 29 per cent reduction in burglaries in the first two months of the operation.

A number of significant arrests have been made, with one offender admitting more than 20 offences. In November, the detection rate for house burglary was 112 per cent, which means more crimes were detected than reported - the highest rate in the Durham force area.

Det Chief Insp Pearson said he was pleased with the results, but said there was no room for complacency.

He said: "We are very happy with the figures. It's hard enough to get any reduction, but 29 per cent shows we are going in the right direction.

"I haven't got the figures for January yet, but I know there has been an increase.

"It is historical that the first month of the year is always bad for crime and that includes burglaries."

Det Chief Insp Pearson added that the operation has seen 6,000 leaflets delivered to the most at risk areas.

The police have briefed the Neighbourhood Watch network using their computerised Police Crime Ring messaging system.

Neighbourhood Watch membership has increased after active recruiting, particularly in hot-spot areas.

The scheme is being supported by Sedgefield Partnership Assisting in the Reduction of Crime, which is providing funding for home security in the Dean Bank area of Ferryhill and Newton Aycliffe's West ward.