CAMBRIDGESHIRE has seen violent crime drop by more than a fifth – the largest decrease in the country – according to Home Office figures. The county also recorded the second largest reduction in overall crime in the country. Crime fell by more than nine

CAMBRIDGESHIRE has seen violent crime drop by more than a fifth - the largest decrease in the country - according to Home Office figures.

The county also recorded the second largest reduction in overall crime in the country. Crime fell by more than nine per cent in Cambridgeshire in 2004/2005, the equivalent of 6,855 fewer offences.

According to the figures,

Cambridgeshire saw a drop in violent crime of 22 per cent, vehicle crime was down nine per cent, and robbery by 11.4 per cent.

However, increases were recorded in sexual offences, up by four per cent and domestic burglaries were up 1.4 per cent.

Chief Constable Julie Spence said: "While we have seen some good reductions in offences such as vehicle crime, robbery and violent crime, there is still a great deal of work to be done to ensure Cambridgeshire remains up at the top of the league table.

"In the past year we have introduced a number of changes to encourage members of the public to work with us to tackle crime, including distributing postcards to residents in the areas where arrests are made asking for help from the local communities to put an end to the crime in their area.

"We are also communicating with members of the community through a variety of methods, including online web chats and e-cops, which provides subscribers with the latest community news and localised information about crime and anti-social behaviour.

"I believe by ensuring members of the public get an accurate picture of crime in their area, and are kept up-to-date with what is happening in their neighbourhood, the perception of crime will not be raised.