BURGLARIES are at a record low across Middlesbrough according to the latest figures.

"Let it be known there will be no let up on our part," said Detective Superintendent Sue Cross, the town's crime manager.

"House burglaries have fallen by almost 50 per cent over the past three months compared to the same period the year before. Some 584 break-ins were reported between October and December last year, compared to 1,030 for the same period in 2001.

Det Supt Cross said: "House burglary is one of the most distressing of crimes, so the fall in offences is particularly pleasing.

"It is attributable to a number of factors, not least of which is the tremendous work done by officers in our district.

"We have about 50 more officers on the streets thanks to extra funding from the police authority and neighbourhood renewal cash, but we have also benefited because sickness levels are low and we have not been hampered by a lot of major inquiries.

"It has given us the opportunity for more proactive police work and it has paid off with an increase in arrests and charges."

During the same three months, robberies fell by 12 per cent.

There was also a 28 per cent drop in garage, shed, shop and office burglaries.

Det Supt Cross said the police had received excellent support from community wardens and neighbourhood watch groups, with whom she plans to develop faster and more effective communication.

"The crime figures are a great start to the New Year and the challenge now is for us to continue to improve our performance and reduce crime even further," she said.

"Our fight against crime will continue on all fronts, particularly drugs."

Councillor Ken Walker, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, welcomed the news. He said: "I think this is the best possible New Year present for both the people of Middlesbrough and the police officers who have achieved so much in tackling the kind of crimes which directly affect the quality of life in our local communities."