Crime figures for July show a dramatic fall of 51% in house burglary, with fewer than 100 homes targeted.

During July there were 84 offences recorded compared to 172 the year before.

The figures also showed that robberies fell by 40%, from 58 offences in July last year compared to 35 this year.

Sex offences rise

Det Supt Stewart Swinson, head of crime for Middlesbrough, said: "Working with our partner agencies we are reaping the rewards of all our hard work and reducing crime on our streets.

"We have no intention of letting our guard down and by targeting our known criminals, with the help of our partners we have shown we can drive down crime."

Almost all categories of crime in the district showed a fall - apart from vehicle crime, violence and sexual offending.

The Cleveland force said sex crimes have risen because victims are now more willing to come forward and report incidents.

In all there were 2020 offences recorded in Middlesbrough during July, compared to 2144 last year - 124 less victims of crime.