CRIME has fallen by more than 17 per cent in the Vale of the White Horse in the past year, latest figures show.

Chief Insp Phil Littlechild, the Local Police Area commander, said: "We are working hard in the Vale to achieve and maintain these good results and keep this area one of the safest to live in the country.

"It is no coincidence that whilst crime overall is steadily falling, the detection rate continues to rise. One in three crimes in the Vale are being detected.

"Between April 1, 2007, and December 31, 2007, we have seen a reduction of 32 per cent in the number of burglaries committed, compared to the same period the year before.

"The roll-out of neighbourhood policing across the Vale of the White Horse has helped reduce the levels of criminal damage. There have been 133 less offences of criminal damage compared to last year which is a reduction of nine per cent.

"At a local level, the roll-out of neighbourhood policing means there is an increased visibility of police and Police Community Support Officers and they are beginning to tackle the problems identified as being of most concern. The dedicated neighbourhood teams across the Vale of the White Horse are available to react and respond to the needs of the community and address local issues such as anti-social behaviour and criminal damage."

There are also substantial decreases in vehicle interference (63 per cent) and 33 per cent in theft of vehicle and 37 per cent in theft from vehicle.

Chief Insp Littlechild added: "It is pleasing to note that burglary and car crime continues to fall, especially as we have dedicated teams of officers to deal with these priority crimes.

"Our success is due to working in partnership with other agencies, concentrating on the small number of people who commit a large amount of offences and we will continue to work hard to get good results."