VIOLENT crime is up by almost 50 per cent on Teesside since last year, new figures have revealed.

Concerned about a link between alcohol and violent crime, Cleveland Police Authority chairman Ted Cox yesterday appealed to councils in the area to carefully consider all future drink licence applications.

"The key issue on which I remain deeply concerned is the increase in the level of violent crime," said Mr Cox.

"In January the figures were up by 42.7 per cent compared to the same month last year and in February the rise was 48 per cent.

"I recognise that this reflects the national trend, but it must be something which concerns everyone who wants to keep our streets safer and reduce people's fear of crime."

He said: "I have to repeat the point I have made previously - at a time when new licensing laws are creating the potential for extended drinking hours we need to examine very carefully the links between alcohol and violent crime.

"Local authorities, who now have a responsibility for issuing licences, must listen to the views of the police who are already under tremendous pressure maintaining late night order in our town centres, especially at weekends."

Apart from the rise in crimes of violence, on Teesside overall crime is down from 6,056 offences for February last year to 5,335, last month. Detections are up by more than 11 per cent to 32.6 per cent.

The figures also suggest an increase in the number of drug dealers facing the courts - there were 94 drug offences in February last year, but 191 last month.

Cleveland Assistant Chief Constable Derek Bonnard said Cleveland police was not complacent about the rise in violent crime, but said the increase was part of a national trend and was reflected throughout the four districts.

"We still have a long way to go but we are on track to make this one of the leading forces in the country," he said.

"So far in this current financial year, offending has fallen by 8.4 per cent. This is 5,714 fewer victims, which is something to be proud about.