POLICE have pledged to do "whatever it takes" to cut crime and disorder in Durham, after a safety campaign produced a sharp drop in student burglaries.

Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Anderson said Operation Porterspass, launched to stop criminals targeting students as they returned to university last month, saw a 24.7 per cent year-on-year drop in burglaries.

But he vowed to keep up the pressure, asking officers to identify particular houses vulnerable to crime and advise residents on extra security measures.

Police will focus on the hotspots of Gilesgate and the Viaduct area, with extra police and warden patrols and safety talks and presentations also planned.

Insp Anderson said: "So far Operation Porterspass has gone very well. The enforcement side has been very successful. We’ve had a number of arrests and got a number of convictions.

"We’re in the middle of the operation so we’re continuing to monitor and review how it’s going. It’s been very successful and long may that continue.

"We’re trying to follow up the message we’ve been giving, working with the university in the halls of residence and at hotspots throughout the city.

"The message I want to get across is: Durham is a safe place and we want to keep it that way. It’s everybody’s responsibility to try to prevent crime.

"There are young students coming into the city but they can take responsibility, look after themselves and look after their property.

"We’re trying to keep Durham safe place and we’ll take whatever action is necessary to do that, in relation to crime and disorder."

Last week, a serial burglar of student digs was jailed for three years at Durham Crown Court, having been caught breaking a window on North Bailey on September 20.

Some city residents have raised concerns about late-night rowdiness from the students themselves, claiming it has been worse than in previous years.

Insp Anderson said police were giving advice on behaviour as well as home security and personal safety.

Meanwhile, police are urging caravan owners to be vigilant following a number of thefts in villages around Durham.

Owners are advised to use wheel clamps and not leave valuables inside.

Anyone with information about a crime can call Durham Police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.