MEASURES to combat an increase in drink-related violence on Teesside are to be stepped up to stop it spiralling out of control.

Cleveland Police have warned there will be no let-up in their determination to counter the rise in violent incidents.

Following the success of recent Operation Sabre initiatives in Middlesbrough and Stockton town centres, Assistant Chief Constable Derek Bonnard said further operations are now planned.

He said: "We have had a very positive feedback from both the public and local businesses.

"Our town centres are great places for a good night out and we will not allow a mindless minority to spoil that.

"Similar operations in town centres across the force area will be a regular part of our policing strategy.

"While proactivity of this nature does lead to a rise in recorded offences, we firmly believe we have the support of the public in such actions."

The renewed emphasis on combating violence follows a large rise in recorded crime last month.

ACC Bonnard said it was "disappointing" that figures show a rise to 6,225 offences compared with 5,283 in August last year.

More than half of that rise was down to offences of violence, mainly drink-related.

He said: "We are disappointed at any rise, but I can assure the public that this will strengthen our resolve to come down even harder on the criminal minority."

Mr Bonnard said the public can help reduce crime.

"We have seen a rise in burglaries, many of which were warm weather walk-ins. I would urge the public to be vigilant and ensure they lock doors and do not leave windows open when they go out."

Over the past 12 months, all offending in Cleveland, with the exception of violence, has decreased. House burglaries are down a quarter and vehicle crime by 22 per cent.

A full report on the rise in crime was presented to the Police Authority by Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price.

He said: "The police-public partnership has proved very successful over the past two years, but I am determined that complacency will not be allowed to creep in.

"We have analysed very carefully the causes of the recent rise in crime and have already taken steps to counter it."