Lowest crime figures on record

Annual crime fell by 13 per cent across the Cleveland Police force area last year.

The number of crimes reported to Cleveland police in 2009 was 49,982, the lowest total in the 19 years of records held by the force.

The highest levels came in 1992 with 80,168 crimes and in 2002 with 76,282 crimes.

Chief Constable Sean Price, of Cleveland Police, said the success was down to neighbourhood policing and plans in place to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

"This is very good news for the people of Cleveland and our challenge now is to do even better in future years," he said "In Cleveland we have a partnership approach to cutting crime, this involves listening to local concerns and working with the public, business, councils and other public bodies to tackle those concerns and crime in general.

"Central to this approach was the introduction of neighbourhood policing force wide in 2007 and it is noticeable that there has been a particularly sharp fall in crime since then."

The figures also show that burglary and car thefts are also at an all time low. Burglaries fell by 16 per cent last year and car theft by 18 per cent. Both show falls of around 70 per cent since 2002.

Cleveland Police Authority chairman, Councillor Dave McLuckie, "Crucial to the success of neighbourhood policing and the subsequent continuing fall in crime has been the firm commitment of the police authority to maximise resources for front-line policing and maintain officer numbers at a record level.

"The past year has seen progress of many fronts, for example the introduction of our own air support unit, the opening of the new Strategic Roads Policing Unit at Wynyard, the setting up of the new Vulnerable Persons Unit, and the continuing roll-out of the CUPID mobile technology system.

"All of these, coupled with the unstinting efforts of every officer and member of staff, have ensured that Cleveland Police continues to enjoy one of the highest public confidence levels in the country."