INNOVATIVE schemes to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour have been praised by a government watchdog.

Redcar and Cleveland Safer Communities Partnership has created a 'can do' attitude to addressing problems in the area, according to the Home Office.

Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Cahill, a deputy director in the Home Office's Crime Reduction and Community Safety Group, praised the Partnership for some of the initiatives that have been conducted over the past 12 months.

These included Operation Equinox, a multi agency initiative launched in October to coincide with the arrival of the darker nights which traditionally bring higher numbers of calls.

As a result, calls to Police regarding antisocial behaviour fell by over 150 when compared with the same period in 2007 and incidents of criminal damage plummeted by 28 percent - a reduction of 250 offences.

Speaking to the partnership, Mr Cahill said: "It was very evident that your continued support and encouragement for the crime reduction and community safety agendas has galvanised commitment."

Mr Cahill, who works in the Group's Performance and Strategy Directorate for Police and Crime Standards, added: "The Partnership and key stakeholders are rising to the challenges of crime and disorder and creating a 'can do' attitude."

In a letter to Cleveland Police Authority chairman Dave McLuckie and the Partnership's chairman, Redcar and Cleveland Council's Director of Area Management Simon Dale, Mr Cahill said: "I would strongly echo your comments not to be complacent but to continually drive to understand how the underlying causes of crime work and to seek ways to be 'fresh and original' in tackling those causes."

Councillor McLuckie said: "The tremendous amount of work that has been done by all the members of the Partnership has contributed to the Redcar and Cleveland Safer Communities Partnership becoming one of the best in the country.

"As the Council's Cabinet Member for Community Protection, I would just like to say a big thank you to those partners and support officers who have helped us to ensure our citizens have a safer and happier future."