Overall reported crime has dropped in three of Wales' four police force areas, but violent crime is on the increase - in line with a UK trend.

The North Wales, South Wales and Dyfed Powys forces have all recorded a drop in their figures, but Gwent has seen crime rise by 5.2%.

Research carried out by the South Wales Police force indicated that most of the offences of violence were domestic incidents or street brawls outside pubs and clubs.

But overall crime has dropped in the area - which covers the population centres of Cardiff and the Valleys - by 1%.

Biggest increase

However, the biggest increase in violent crime was seen in the Gwent force area of Newport.

Over 13% of people living in the Newport division's area have been victims of violence.

The highest number of burglaries was recorded in Cardiff with the lowest in Newtown, mid Wales.

Deputy Chief Constable for Dyfed Powys Peter Clough said mid Wales remained one of the safest places to live in the UK.

"Problems in the rural areas are different from inner cities, of course, but we have very, very scarce resources and we have to use those resources as effectively as possible - I think the figures prove we do just that."

'Crime continues to fall'

South Wales Assistant Chief Constable David Francis said: "What is clear is that in south Wales overall crime continues to fall, while detection rates in all the major categories get consistently better.

"That picture is encouraging, but it has long been recognised that the police cannot fight crime alone."

"We all have a part to play in reducing crime and improving the quality of life for everyone in our communities."

The upward swing in violent crime is in line with a national trend.

Overall figures for England and Wales show that robberies - most of them muggings - increased by 19% compared with a fall of nearly 6% over the previous 12 months.

The number of sexual offences also rose over the same period.