A YEAR long crackdown on criminal behaviour on a troubled Middlesbrough estate has resulted in a massive fall in recorded crimes.

Grove Hill neighbourhood policing team launched the concerted effort last March to tackle increasing anti-social behaviour problems.

Since then other days of action have taken place, along with background work in conjunction with the local authority, housing associations, the Fire Brigade and other organisations.

As a result anti-social behaviour fell by 46 per cent during the year from April 2011-March 2012 with 142 incidents dropping to 77 incidents between April 2012-March 2013 and total crime fell by 43 per cent from 167 incidents to 95 incidents during the same period.

Neighbourhood Inspector John Wrintmore said: “I’d like to thank my officers and our partners for all their hard work which has definitely paid off. The community deserve praise too for getting on board with us to tackle the issues which can make life a misery for the law abiding majority.

“Crime across the whole of Middlesbrough district has fallen by ten per cent and ASB by 18 per cent so that is very good news, but the reductions in crime and ASB for Grove Hill in particular are excellent.

“I would like to reassure residents that although this specific operation has now concluded, Grove Hill remains a priority and our work will very much continue in earnest.”

The police worked in conjunction with Middlesbrough Council to help deliver the results.

Charles Rooney, councillor for the Grove Hill ward, said: "I hope that this demonstrates that when the police, partners and communities work together we can make a real difference in reducing crime and to help people feel safe. The local authority will continue to support the police in addressing crime and antisocial behaviour in this area."

And Paula Marshall, who works at The Hub on Bishopton Road, added: “Anti-social behaviour seems to have gone down and it has been noticed - people have mentioned it in The Hub. We see officers out in the area on foot and on their bikes, and it’s reassuring to see.”