NUMBERS of burglaries and robberies in Cambridgeshire have dropped, with more than 1,000 fewer victims, Home Office figures have revealed.

Compared to the previous 12 month period, total crime fell by 10 per cent (two per cent more than the average for England and Wales) from 65,338 to 58,873 offences - or 6465 fewer offences.

The statistics for England and Wales are for the 12 month period to June this year.

Robbery and house burglary also bucked the national trend with robbery dropping by 16 per cent, from 847 to 712 offences, and burglary by 20 per cent from 4473 to 3549.

Offences against vehicles, including theft of and from, also dropped significantly, by 28 per cent, from 8402 to 6049.

However, violence against the person rose by eight per cent, from 9970 to 10,711 offences, although more serious offences - violence against the person with injury - dropped by four per cent, from 4761 to 4594.

Chief Constable Simon Parr said: “These are encouraging figures, particularly for total crime and those offences that have such a huge impact on victims, like robbery and dwelling burglary. There were 1000 fewer victims in the 12 months to June in these two categories.

“I am also very pleased with the significant reductions in vehicle crime and criminal damage.

“However, every crime is regrettable and we will continue to target those who commit offences while seeking the most cost effective way to manage the force in coming years.”

The figures also show a nine per cent rise in sexual offences from 721 to 778, a 20 per cent drop in drug offences from 2620 to 2080 offences, and a 19 per cent drop in criminal damage - 10,727 for the latest period.