CRIME across Darlington has dropped by a quarter compared with a year ago, according to the latest figures.

Darlington Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership has produced statistics for April and May showing all reported crimes have decreased from the same period last year.

Robberies have dropped by 40 per cent, criminal damage incidences by 37 per cent, thefts from vehicles down by 27 per cent and all reports of vehicle crime down by 20 per cent.

The number of reported burglaries was down 21 per cent, thefts from a person were down by nine per cent, bicycle thefts was reduced by four per cent and the number of common assaults reduced by 3.5 per cent.

Chief Superintendent Peter Davis, chairman of the partnership, said: "These results are a testament to the skill, innovation and sheer effort of staff from various agencies working within the partnership.

"The reductions are impressive, but will require us to redouble our efforts if they are to be sustained.

"Darlington is a safe place to live, but burglary, criminal damage and vehicle crime are extremely distressing for the victims. We will do our utmost within the partnership to reduce these still further."

Councillor Bill Dixon, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for community and public protection, said: "All of the agencies involved in the partnership are extremely focused on reducing crime and the fear of crime in Darlington, and I am delighted to see evidence of further progress."

The figures have been released just weeks after Vernon Coaker, parliamentary under secretary at the Home Office, praised the work the partnership was doing in Darlington.