THE extent to which the region’s police forces are using so-called ‘stop and search’ powers has been revealed.

The move follows a review of stop and search announced by Home Secretary Theresa May which called for more accurate recording of the data available.

The aim is to increase transparency and ensure that officers only stop and search individuals in a targeted, intelligence led-way.

Monthly figures now published on the police.uk website show that between April and June Durham Police stopped and searched 1,585 individuals, the highest number coming in May (588).

However, the force had made no information available on the actual outcome of these searches.

A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “Our officers use stop and search when they have reasonable grounds in order to protect people, tackle crime and keep our streets safe.”

In the Northumbria police force area there were 2,866 stop and searches between March and June. In 21 per cent of cases it led to a suspect being arrested. However in the vast majority of cases (72 per cent) nothing was found and no action was taken.

Cleveland Police conducted 2,504 stop and searches in the first six months of 2015. Eighteen per cent led to an arrest. In three quarter of cases nothing was found and no action taken.

In North Yorkshire there were 2,659 stop and searches between January and June this year. Only six per cent of these stops led to an arrest. In 80 per cent of stops nothing was found and no action was taken.

Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock, the National Police Chief’s Lead on Stop and Search, added: “On a daily basis, officers utilising the stop and search power are finding weapons, stolen property and drugs.”

The number of stops in England and Wales has fallen by 31 per cent since 2010.