Crime rate continues to fall across Stockton Borough according to figures

Stockton remains the safest place in the Tees Valley, according to crime figures

Stockton remains the safest place in the Tees Valley, according to figures.

In 2013/14 there were 10,004 publically reported crimes compared with 10,098 in 2012/13, showing a 0.9% reduction.

Safer Stockton Partnership chairman Geoff Lee said: “Stockton borough continues to enjoy the lowest rates of crime in Cleveland which is a huge achievement for the Safer Stockton Partnership in a year which saw further public sector budget reductions and a continuing growth in population.

“Crime across Stockton borough has reduced steadily over the last 10 years and recorded crime is consistently lower than the national average.”

The figures show Stockton borough still has the lowest publically reported crime rate at 51.9 crimes per 1,000 people.

Total crime, which includes public disorder and drugs offences, has also reduced by 1.8%, which is a reduction of 207 crimes in the last year.

Stockton Council’s Cabinet member for housing and community safety, Councillor Steve Nelson said: “We are delighted to see a further reduction in crime across Stockton borough which is testament to the partnership work of many services and organisations. It is particularly pleasing to see a further reduction in dwelling burglary - 96 fewer people were victims of this crime in 2013/14 compared to the previous year. What’s more, the number of dwelling house burglaries has reduced by more than 40% in the last five years.”

Chief Inspector Chris Downes said: “Key to these great results is intelligence from the local community as it helps to drive the direction that we go in order to reduce crime.

“Never has partnership working been so important and the police service doesn’t reduce crime without the assistance from other partner agencies. I’m pleased that the strong partnerships we have in Stockton continue to make the borough a safe place to live, work and socialise.”

To report a crime contact Cleveland Police on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency). You can also report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.