FEAR of crime is the biggest concern for York residents - despite tumbling crime rates.

A survey by City of York Council suggests that crime and violence tops a list of people's worries.

But the latest statistics for the city show that crime is continuing to fall, with burglary and violent incidents down significantly.

More than 1,000 residents were questioned about different aspects of life in York and the extent to which their needs were being met.

Safety from crime and violence was voted most important, alongside good physical and mental health.

They were seen as more important than decent housing, safe and healthy food, job opportunities and satisfying relationships.

However, York police statistics for the last 11 months show that residents' concerns may be misplaced.

A City of York Council report which was being discussed at a meeting this afternoon says: "Despite reductions in all areas of crime in the city, residents still feel safety from crime and violence continues to be an area where their needs are not met."

Overall crime in the city is down by six per cent, or 1,499 crimes - the biggest drop in crime in one of the safest counties in the United Kingdom.

Violent crime, which includes public order offences, sex crime and physical assaults, is down six per cent in York, and vehicle crime is down by 13 per cent.

Inspector Ken Gill, of York police, said: "We cannot say there is not a problem with crime in the city, but the fear of crime often exceeds the reality.

"Our quality of life is affected by a small minority of troublemakers, but the truth is that we live in a lovely city that is really less rough than a lot of people think it is."

And Insp Gill added that by taking simple security steps such as locking doors and keeping valuables out of sight, crime levels could be brought down further still.

The council will recommend that falling crime figures are made more widely available so that the reality of crime in the city is known.

Across the county as a whole, burglary is down by 12 per cent, violent crime by three per cent and vehicle crime by 12 per cent.

Updated: 12:07 Monday, March 26, 2001