A TOWN has received a double award for cutting car crime.

Security measures have led to a 40 per cent reduction in crime in council-run car parks in Middlesbrough this year.

The steps include security patrols, security cameras and telephones linked to a control room.

Middlesbrough Council has been presented with two Secure Car Park awards by the Association of Chief Police Officers for the 788-space Captain Cook Square car park and the 900-space Zetland car park.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, of Middlesbrough Council, said: "The council works continually to reduce the opportunities for crime in all its parking facilities. Further car parks are to be submitted for awards.''