HOME Office crime figures have revealed total crime in Cambridgeshire fell by 10 per cent last year.

The statistics for England and Wales, show that there was a fall from 58,678 offences to 52,689, with a 34 per cent decrease in robberies from 713 to 473 offences.

However, there was a sharp 38 per cent increase in drugs offences, from 2,115 to 2,918 offences.

Police chiefs insist this rise reflects the force’s tough approach to tackling drug suppliers across the county.

Chief Constable Simon Parr said: “I am delighted to see a reduction in total crime compared to the previous 12 month period, especially in robbery and domestic burglary. Over the year, it represents nearly 6,000 fewer victims of crime in the county.

“However, we are not complacent and our efforts to target offenders and reduce the number of victims will continue unabated.

“The financial future is still challenging for the force but our commitment is to try to maintain a high level of performance while we change the way we deliver our service and ensure we protect members of the community who are most at risk.”

Cambs Police is one of only five forces in the country to have experienced a double-digit percentage fall in offences - compared to a four per cent drop nationally.

The statistics are for the 12-month period to the end of September last year and are compared with the same period the year before.