POLICE say targeting a handful of known offenders is helping cut crime in a city.

Figures released by Durham Police reveal recorded crime across Durham City has dropped by nine per cent year-on-year, with 350 fewer offences committed.

Paul Anderson, neighbourhood inspector for Durham City, said he made no apologies for the tactics deployed.

He said: "We regularly monitor trends and patterns, hotspot areas as well as individuals. "I make no apologies for targeting individuals who wish to commit crime in and around Durham. It is my aim to keep people safe and to have less victims of crime."

Insp Anderson said the Christmas and New Year period had been a lot quieter than usual, following a mid-December Day of Action against those he described as "willing to burgle or steal in the run-up to Christmas".

The initiative led to many arrests and admissions, including one individual who admitted eight offences during a police interview.

Operation Fagan, a crackdown on shoplifters in the city centre and elsewhere run throughout December, also led to crime reductions.

Police believe 72 per cent of all crime was detected, with a 71 per cent detection rate in Durham city centre and 85 per cent in Meadowfield.

Insp Anderson said: "I will not be resting on my laurels and it is my aim to continue this during 2011."

Initiatives planned include Farmwatch projects, days of action and targeting travelling criminals.

Insp Anderson thanked residents for their help during 2010 and called on them to continue their support throughout 2011.

Addressing the public, he said: "No matter how many initiative we plan, the police cannot operate without the help of the public.

"Your support has been fantastic and we will continue to seek improvement on how we engage and inform all our communities."

Police in Chester-le-Street have also adopted the tactic of targeting a handful of prolific offenders.

Last month, Durham Police released figures suggesting the approach had cut crime in the district by 15.9 per cent, from 3,503 offences between December 2008 and November 2009 to 2,949 from December 2009 to November 2010.

To contact Durham Police, call 0345-60-60-365.