A PROJECT to cut offending in a crime-hit community is paying dividends, say police.

Officers from Gateshead Police have stepped up foot patrols in the Bensham and Saltwell areas of the town, in a bid to cut crime and disorder.

They created the Bensham Community Action Team to put more officers on the streets and are working with neighbourhood wardens, targeting problems including graffiti and vandalism.

Police chiefs are hailing the scheme a success and are expected this week to announce that house burglaries, youth disorder and drug misuse have fallen.

The results will be revealed at a public meeting of Gateshead East Police and Community Forum, in Bensham Grove Community Centre, Sidney Grove, Bensham, on Wednesday, at 7pm.

Officers are keen to hear from residents whether they feel their streets are safer. They will also outline the £75,000 security camera system, which is being set up to cover the wards.

Four cameras will be installed - at the corner of Alexandra Road and Oxford Terrace; the corner of Bewick Road and Coatsworth Road; the corner of Whitehall Road and Rectory Road; and outside St Chad's Church, in Rawling Road.