CRIME in St Ives and Ramsey has fallen by more than 10 per cent in a year, new figures show.

The statistics, released by Cambridgeshire police, show that crime in St Ives has fallen by 14.6 per cent and 8.8 per cent in Ramsey in the last 12 months compared to April 2010 to March 2011.

Officers have seen the largest reduction in the area in racially-aggravated crime, which is down 71 per cent, and in criminal damage with 25 per cent fewer in St Ives and 28 per cent fewer in Ramsey.

Despite the fall in other areas, both towns have seen a rise in bicycle theft, which has nearly doubled with 30 more stolen in St Ives.

Sergeant Dave Savill, who leads the St Ives and Ramsey neighbourhood problem solving team, said: “It has been a fantastic year in reducing crime and it is at its lowest for some time. This does not mean we can rest, but we aim to work on reducing crime further.

“Part of this is recognising trends such as shoplifting rising by a third in St Ives. As a result, we have set up a town centre team, which will increase presence and install trust back into shop owners.”