POLICE have recorded an overall drop in crime during the past year, although there are still some blackspots.

All four districts in the Cleveland force area have recorded a reduction in house burglaries, with Langbaurgh showing the steepest fall of 17.8 per cent. Overall, the number of reports of crime dropped by almost 600 from 1999, to 7,138. Violent crimes also fell, along with many types of theft and drug-related crime.

The total number of reported crimes fell by 828 during the 12 months to the end of March, compared with the same period the previous year. But non-residential burglaries rose by 200, car crimes by 748 and robberies by 93.

Assistant Chief Constable Bryan Bell said: "We are confident the reduction in house burglaries will continue," he said. "Although it is disappointing that some crime has increased, measures are in hand to combat that."

He said the results showed the success of the force's long-term strategies, such as intelligence-led policing and working with partners. He suggested the failure to secure sheds and garages helps explain the rise in non-residential burglaries.

Assistant Chief Constable Bell said: "Cleveland is one of the busiest areas in the country for crime, but the figures show the force has been successful in taking significant steps to combat and reduce that threat."