http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2753063.stm
Wednesday, 12 February, 2003, 14:16 GMT
Weapon crime soars 116%
Offences using weapons are increasly common
Violent crime and weapons offences in Teesside have jumped sharply, according to new performance figures for Cleveland Police.
The number of assaults more than doubled in the Cleveland force area in the latter part of last year, while weapons offences rose by 116% and violent crime by 77.7%.
But Cleveland Police Authority said the increase was down to the way incidents are now recorded.
The authority also said overall crime was down between April and December 2002.
Yardie gangs
The authority highlighted crime prevention operations, which it said had led to a rise in arrests for threatening and disorderly behaviour.
Overall, the authority said total crime was down by 0.3%, and claimed substantial inroads had been made tackling burglaries, robberies and car crime.
Increases in drugs crime and indecency have been attributed to high profile operations to target drug dealers and prostitution, the authority said.
In January it was revealed Cleveland Police were bracing themselves for an increase in gun crime after fears of a possible increase in Yardie gangs.
See also:
24 Jan 03 | England
Teesside 'worst for reoffending'
20 Jan 03 | England
Force braced for Yardie threat
19 Nov 02 | England
Drug addictions fuel crime rise
07 Oct 02 | England
New cameras to cut crime
Internet links:
Cleveland Police
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