Crime detection 'among country's worst'

Crime rates are down 13% in Bristol

Avon and Somerset Police's detection rates are among the worst in the country, new crime statistics reveal.

The force has the worst record in the country for solving robberies and the second worst for clearing up all crimes, according to Home Office figures released on Thursday.

Crime levels in the Avon and Somerset force's area have dropped by 13% in the past year.

But they are still higher than anywhere else in the South West, with 117 crimes recorded per 1,000 people.

Acting Chief Constable Martin Richards said: "While we are delighted with the reduction in crime and the improvement in our detection rates, we recognise that we still have a long way to go.

"I am encouraged that the British Crime Survey has concluded the fear of crime is low in Avon and Somerset compared to the rest of the UK.

"We will be able to further strengthen our position with an increase of 350 new officers and police staff over the next two years."