VIOLENT crime has dropped but burglaries, vehicle crime and drug related offences have increased, according to figures released by police. The monthly performance figures, which compare monthly crime statistics year-on-year, the latest being from July, sh

VIOLENT crime has dropped but burglaries, vehicle crime and drug related offences have increased, according to figures released by police.

The monthly performance figures, which compare monthly crime statistics year-on-year, the latest being from July, show violent crime dropped 18.3 per cent, from 317 in July 2006 to 259 last month.

However, total crime increased 5.7 per cent, from 1,459 to 1,542 in 2007.

Chief superintendent Mick Gipp, central division divisional commander said: "We have seen 45 fewer violent crimes last month than the comparative month last year which is excellent for residents in central division.

"Many of the increases in crime last month can be explained by officers taking a very proactive approach. For example, a lot of work has been undertaken to find those responsible for dealing and producing drugs, meaning the number of crimes recorded has increased.

"We have experienced a rise in burglaries which can largely be explained due to a number of multi-occupancy homes being broken into. If every room in a multi occupany house is broken into, a burglary is recorded for each room."

A total of 103 dwelling burglaries were recorded last month compared to 74 in July 2006. There were 197 incidents of vehicle crime in July 2007 and 152 in the same period last year. The number of robberies stayed the same with eight recorded and drugs offences increased from 33 to 36.