POLICE in Cambridgeshire have continued to cut crime despite a background of funding cuts, figures released by the Government have revealed.

Home Office statistics for the 12 months ending June 30, show there were 50,140 crimes, an eight per cent drop on the previous 12 months, when there were 54,732.

Comparing the same periods, there were also double-digit percentage falls in crimes including domestic burglary, robbery, vehicle crime and criminal damage.

There was, however, a five per cent rise in the number of drugs offences as the force continues its campaign against those supplying and producing drugs.

Chief Constable Simon Parr said: “The force has and continues to undergo significant changes so I am delighted that crime continues to fall, and that fewer people have become victims in that period.

“The fall of nearly a quarter in robberies and a significant drop in domestic burglaries are particularly pleasing as they are crimes that have such an impact on victims.

“Having said this, we must remain focused and avoid complacency as we look forward to seeing the force’s restructure bedding in and meeting significant financial challenges.”

The news comes after police in East Cambridgeshire revealed last week that they had also managed to reduce crime in the district.

According to the constabulary, during the six months from April to September this year, there were 158 fewer crimes recorded than the same period in 2011, with crime continuing to fall month-on-month since the beginning of the period.

Officers also said that September figures, where 228 crimes were recorded, was the “joint lowest” number recorded in a month since records began in 2008.

Officers also hailed a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, with the figures suggesting that, between April and September this year, there were 296 fewer reported incidents than in the same period last year.