CRIME and anti-social behaviour in Darlington are down to a record low, according to new figures.

Figures released by Darlington police show there has been 3,746 fewer victims of anti-social behaviour throughout 2012, compared to 2011 - a 44 per cent reduction.

Crime has also dropped by 19 per cent, with 1,415 fewer victims of crime across the town.

Chief Inspector Chris Reeves, neighbourhood policing manager for the town, said the figures were some of the lowest he had ever seen.

He also said the figures for December were some of the lowest on record, with 518 victims of crime, compared with 620 in 2011, and 540 in 2010.

Ch Insp Reeves said: “We used to average about 800 crimes per month, now we are seeing the number frequently fall below 600.

“Crime levels now are much lower than they were five or ten years ago and it is partly down to our officers working together to make things work and bring crime down, but it is also down to the public for their support and the good work done by Neighbourhood Watch.

“The public play a huge part because without them, we wouldn’t have been able to gather vital intelligence to help keep crime down. I would like to thank them for their continued support.”

He also praised the monthly police and communities together (Pact) meetings, which allow residents to meet their local neighbourhood police officers and discuss crime in the area.

For more information on Pact meetings, visit durham.police.uk/local/south/darlington