YORK'S top police officer has 6,000 reasons to feel good about his first year in the post.

That is the number of crimes which did not take place compared to the 12 months before Chief Superintendent Tim Madgwick took charge.

The figures are impressive: domestic burglaries down by 55 per cent; vehicle crime down by 40 per cent; robberies down by a fifth.

Underneath these bald statistics is the true achievement. For every burglary foiled, a householder is spared immeasurable heartache, stress, fear and anger.

Equally good news is reported in Ryedale. Inspector Neil Burnett is in charge of the area with the second lowest crime rate in the country, with an average of only one house burglary a week.

These days, people are never slow to throw brickbats at the police. So we should be equally quick to dish out the bouquets.

This is a great team effort marshalled by excellent leadership. Chief Supt Madgwick succeeded John Lacy, a hard act to follow. His speedy rise to the top, from sergeant five years ago to city commander today, may have caused some to question his credentials. But today's figures should quell any doubts.

There is more to be done, of course. The rise in violent crime is a particular worry.

Chief Supt Madgwick was an early exponent of anti-social behaviour orders. He will need to work closely with the courts and the city council, as new licensing authority, to curb the city's aggressors.

Updated: 11:33 Wednesday, April 06, 2005