Gwent Police have biggest recorded crime drop in England and Wales

Home Office figures released yesterday show there were 6,714 fewer crimes in the 12 months up to March 2012, compared to preceding 12 months.

The total number of crimes went from 45,593 to 38,879 - a drop of 15 per cent.

Robbery, burglary, violent offences, criminal damage, fraud and vehicle crime all fell, while drug and sexual offences are on the increase.

There was a one per cent increase in sexual offences, which Gwent Police said have been mainly historical cases and demonstrate people's willingness to come forward for a traditionally under-reported crime.

The 21 per cent rise in drug offences has been attributed to operations aimed at identifying drug dealers resulting in more arrests and prosecutions.

Anti-social behaviour has also fallen from 54,321 cases in 2010/11 to 36,882 in 2011/12.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Prince said: "The figures released today are once again a ringing endorsement of our flexible and innovative approach to tackling crime, and the work we undertake with partners to prevent crime."

The second biggest drop was by Thames Valley Police, with 13 per cent, followed by West Midlands Police with ten per cent.

This is the third quarter in a row where Gwent Police has seen the biggest or joint biggest fall in crime. Figures released in April showed an 11 per cent fall in crime year-on-year, from 46,615 to 41,481, Gwent topped the table with Thames Valley Police.

In January, figures showed crime fell from 48,504 to 43,395, an 11 per cent drop, which put Gwent joint top for cutting crime with forces in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Thames Valley.

Gwent Police has performed a huge U-turn since 2010, when it suffered the indignation of being the only force in England and Wales to report a rise in crime figures, up from 49,171 in 2008/09 to 50,842 in 2009/10.

The latest figures show South Wales Police recorded a seven per cent fall in total crime and Dyfed Powys' was three per cent. North Wales Police recorded a three per cent increase.

ACC Prince added: "Given the difficult economic backdrop I’m very proud of hard work and effort put in by our staff and officers, who continue to provide the public with an excellent service."