THERE were almost 4,000 fewer victims of crime in North Yorkshire last year, police have said.

In the 12 months up to December 2012, the Office of National Statistics report indicates crime has been reduced by 10 per cent across the force area.

There was a total of 36,050 reported crimes, with 3,963 fewer victims of crime compared to the previous 12 months, North Yorkshire Police said.

Broken down into the main crime categories, there were 118 reported incidents of robbery - a reduction of 76 incidents or 39 per cent - 4,492 burglaries - a drop of 14 per cent or 752 incidents - 10,967 incidents of theft - a reduction of 1,214 incidents - and 7,000 reported incidents of violence - a seven per cent reduction of 530 incidents.

There were 6157 incidents of criminal damage, a 14 per cent reduction of 991 incidents and 1,971 incidents of drug offences, a drop of 13 per cent or 282 incidents.

There was a one per cent increase in sex offences, amounting to 599, six more incidents.

Tim Madgwick, temporary chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, said: “These figures are very satisfying and demonstrate, once again, that our co-ordinated crime reduction plans remain very effective in North Yorkshire and the City of York.

“They also reflect the professionalism of the organisations, groups and individuals who work so hard to keep our neighbourhoods safe and secure.

“Further to this, I am very pleased to report that crime is continuing to fall as we head towards the middle of 2013. At this very point in time, Home Office data shows that North Yorkshire is ranked the lowest crime area in England.”