Figures show crime rate increase

The crime rate on Teesside has leapt, according to police figures.

Cleveland Police statistics for July showed a 15% increase compared to July 2004 and included a violent crime rise of just under 600 offences.

House break-ins also rose but there was a drop in vehicle crime and sexual offences and robberies stayed the same.

The force said the violent crime rise signalled a national trend and rises were down to its proactive approach as well as improved incident recording.

The 15% rise was the equivalent of 815 offences with violent crimes rising to 1,423.

Assistant Chief Constable Derek Bonnard said: "These are just one month's figures but I do not underestimate the impact of rising crime on the public - nor the concerns of the police authority.

Not complacent

"However, if you look at the long term, house burglaries over the last quarter are down by almost 11% and in the past 12 months by 30%.

"Summer is unfortunately a time when we see an increase in this type of offending, particularly by opportunist thieves as people leave windows and doors open because of the hot weather and are busy in their back gardens."

He said people were encouraged and supported in reporting domestic violence, and operations tackling drugs and trouble around pubs and clubs generated more arrests.

He said more serious offences, such as robbery and sexual attacks, had fallen, with robbery down by 30% over the past 12 months.

"We recognise that the public have every right to voice concerns", he said.

"We are by no means complacent and have measures in place aimed at challenging and changing the behaviour and culture that leads to trouble."