AN anti-burglary initiative in Sedgefield borough has sent crime in one area into "a downward spiral", a councillor has claimed.

The four-month offensive, codenamed Operation Lan-celot, was launched two weeks ago. The crackdown is a response to the seasonal upsurge in burglaries which takes place during winter months.

Statistics show there have been ten burglaries in the division, one fewer than the corresponding period last year.

There has also been one arrest made in relation to a burglary in Newton Aycliffe.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Pearson of Sedgefield CID said: "We are looking at the bigger picture than the first fortnight, so we are not jumping up and down and clapping our hands just because we have had a reduction of one.

"But the feedback I have been getting from local people in the community is that they are really happy with what we are trying to do."

Sedgefield Borough Councillor Jim Higgin represents the Dean Bank area of Ferryhill, which has had its share of problems.

He has praised the operation and pointed out there were no burglaries on the estate since the launch of the operation. He said: "The crime rate is definitely reducing in the Dean Bank area. We have a crime initiative committee which meets every three months and is attended by all of the different organisations.

"Crime here is on a downward spiral and a lot of it is down to initiatives from the police and from the residents.

"One thing making a difference is a county council initiative to provide extra street lights and the police drive for houses to be fitted with exterior bulkhead lights."

He said: "The residents here feel that the police in Ferryhill are absolutely outstanding, friendly, helpful and get themselves involved in the community. Everybody has a lot of confidence in them."

Operation Lancelot is backed by the Sedgefield Burglary Action Group, formed under the Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership banner.

It includes representatives from the police, Sedgefield Borough Council, Three Rivers Housing, Disc, Victim Support, the youth offending team and The Northern Echo, which will be publishing updates every fortnight.