CRIME and anti-social behaviour across Cleveland fell by almost 10 per cent last year, according to the latest figures.
Publicly reported crime fell by 9.4 per cent between January and December 2012 when compared to the previous year, meaning that there were 3,718 fewer victims of crime.
Incidents of anti-social behaviour also fell by 26.1 per cent, meaning that there were 10,490 fewer victims during the same period.
Cleveland Police say at a local level there were reductions in each of the four policing districts of Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar & Cleveland.
Major reductions were seen in almost all crime categories including sexual offences (14.2 per cent), criminal damage and arson (14.9 per cent), house burglary (8.4 per cent), vehicle crime (14.3 per cent) and overall violence (two per cent).
A slight increase of 151 offences in the violence without injury category can be attributed to improved investigation of domestic abuse and awareness-raising work to encourage reporting, both of which were driven during 2012.
Over the same period, the force retained its position as one of the top three forces nationally for public confidence, with the best rating among North-East forces.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Roberts said: “These results are a tribute to the hard work of our officers, staff and partners in keeping communities across Cleveland safe.
“My message to criminals is that there will be no let up in 2013. We will continue to take the fight to you and prevent, disrupt and detect criminal activity by bringing you to justice.”
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger added: “We will face many challenges in the year ahead
“But these figures provide a firm foundation for us to move forward and deliver on the priorities I set out during the Police and Crime Commissioner election, including a continuing commitment to neighbourhood policing, ensuring a better deal for victims and witnesses and working with all partners to make the best use of resources.”
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