Crime rates drop for third year

The biggest fall was in vehicle-related crime

Crime rates are down for the third year running across Norfolk, according to police figures.

Between April 2005 and March 2006, 330 fewer offences of violence were reported than in the previous year, amounting to a reduction of 2.6%.

Home burglaries were down by 6.7%, but the largest fall was in vehicle-related crime which dropped by 891 incidents - a 15.5% reduction.

Detection rates have also improved to 31.3% compared with 28.4% last year.

Statistics show an overall fall in crime rates by 1.6 %, 1076 less offences.

Chief Constable Carole Howlett said: "This is good news for the people of Norfolk especially regarding violent crime.

"It is gratifying that the hard work of all our staff to reduce these types of crimes has paid off."