THE number of recorded robberies in part of the North-East has been cut by half since the introduction of a specialist squad, according to police chiefs.

A seven-strong team of detectives, run by Detective Sergeant Ian Craig, from Middlesbrough CID, has been operating in the town since mid-February.

The unit is responsible for targeting known offenders through intelligence-led enforcement, but officers are also investigating all reports of robberies.

In March last year, 75 robberies were recorded in the town compared to 36 offences for the same month this year.

Det Sgt Craig said: "There has been a dramatic reduction in the number of offences of robbery since the introduction of the squad. This will undoubtedly be as a result of the investigation conducted by officers and the pro-active targeting of people known to be committing these offences.

"Any crime can be traumatic to the victim. However, being threatened with violence can have a lasting affect.

"We will use a variety of policing techniques to actively pursue those individuals who commit these offences, and we welcome recent sentences passed by the courts which have the ultimate responsibility of dealing with those convicted."

Det Sgt Craig added: "I want to reassure people that incidents involving members of the public being threatened with weapons or violence are very few and far between - most of our offences relate to drug type debts being collected with menace."

Detective Superintendent Stewart Swinson, head of Middlesbrough CID, said: "The robbery team will be maintaining its focus over the coming months and I am confident that the recorded crime figures and detection of such offences will continue to improve."

Anyone with information relating to robbery can contact the squad on (01642) 303136.