POLICE in Sedgefield have praised the community for pulling together after the latest crime and anti-social behaviour figures show a marked improvement.

Last year, crime in Sedgefield was 26 per cent lower than in 2011, with anti-social behaviour down by 60 per cent.

Crime and anti-social behaviour fell by 23 per cent and 56 per cent respectively in Trimdon Village and by 14 per cent and seven per cent respectively in Fishburn.

In Trimdon Grange and Colliery anti-social behaviour fell by 27 per cent but crime rose by 37 per cent.

Sergeant Brian O’Connor said the area had suffered a spike in crime in recent months and was a current priority.

“The figures demonstrate the positive way in which the Communities of Sedgefield Fishburn and the Trimdons pull together as a community,” he said.

“They give us all confidence and reassurance that my team of officers, the council, councillors, Area Action Partnership and other partner agencies are working hard to give the communities in those areas what they want – which is a safer neighbourhood.

“Police and partners will continue to work with the same commitment with the aim of achieving further reductions during 2013.’’