A POLICE chief has warned there is no room for complacency - despite figures which show an overall fall in most categories of crime.

Heartened by the latest Home Office statistics, Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price said: "Working with our partner agencies, we are putting the people of Cleveland first and reducing crime on our streets.

"So far this year, robberies are down by 11 per cent - 105 fewer victims. House break- ins are down by almost 19 per cent, that equates to nearly 900 fewer victims, and vehicle crime is down by more than 16 per cent - more than 1,400 fewer victims.''

Crime across Teesside has seen an almost three per cent drop over the last seven months - despite a blip for the month of October.

Despite a nine per cent fall in house burglaries, and a five per cent drop in vehicle crime in October, compared to the same month last year, there was a five per cent rise in other offences last month, compared to October, 2002.

The effect of new counting rules is being blamed for a 60 per cent rise in violent crime last month, but criminal damage is also up by 12 per cent.

Mr Price said: "The small increase this month shows we need to be determined in the fight against crime. Not withstanding the good results achieved so far, there is no room for complacency.

"Obviously, we want to see all categories of crime reduced and our work to that end will continue. Our officers, staff and partners are determined to succeed in this fight and make this area a better place to live and work.''