CRIME figures have fallen across County Durham for the sixth time in seven years.

Statistics for the 12 months from April 2000 to the end of March this year, show recorded crime tumbled by more than eight per cent, but police chiefs insist there will be no let-up in the fight against offenders.

Assistant Chief Constable Ron Hogg said: "A small number of people are responsible for the majority of crime in Durham.

"We know who they are and we will keep the pressure on. There is no escape for persistent offenders."

During the past 12 months, 44,702 crimes were recorded in County Durham and Darlington, a level that is almost one third down on 1993's record high of 62,389.

The number of house burglaries dropped from 4,044 to 3,201, which represents a dip of almost 21 per cent from last year.

This is also a drop of 59 per cent compared to the all-time high of 7,753 in 1993/94.

Detection rates reached 34 per cent, and are among the highest in the country.

A record number of police officers are now patrolling beats in communities across the force area in a direct response to public appeals for more officers on the streets.

Mr Hogg said: "Beat officers are constantly at work in communities, identifying problems and, through local partnerships, developing solutions to solve them.

"The increasing willingness of the public to engage in this two-way flow of information and self-help is a key element in the year-on-year falls in crime."

During the past year, violent offending fell from 5,884 to 5,649 and detection rates are currently running above 88 per cent.

Robberies dropped from 236 to 231, despite a national increase, and vehicle crime fell by 11 per cent from 3,605 to 2,951.

Mr Hogg said: The hard work of a great many people, both inside and outside the police service, has combined to achieve some remarkable results.

"We believe the latest figures confirm the consistent good news that fewer people in this area are falling victim to crime."