Chief hails recorded crime fall

Chief Constable Kevin Smith took over the post last year

The number of crimes recorded in Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire has fallen by 4.6%, according to new figures.

In his first review as head of Central Scotland Police, Chief Constable Kevin Smith said there had been 18,942 recorded crimes in the area.

The figures for April 2008/2009 also revealed an increase in the number of road fatalities.

The report said 15 people lost their lives on the area's roads.

Crimes of violence, dishonesty, sexual crime and vandalism all fell during the 12 month period.

The decrease was most notable in Clackmannanshire, which recorded a 12% drop. In Stirling the figure was just 1%, while in Falkirk recorded crime dropped by 4%.

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However, the number of robberies increased by 38%, while rises were also seen in race crime and instances of domestic violence.

The force detection rate was 58%.

Mr Smith, who took over the role of chief constable from Andrew Cameron last year, said it had been a year of significant developments for the force.

He said: "Our communities saw less crime last year, which means fewer people became victims of crime.

"Fewer homes were broken into, fewer acts of vandalism took place and we saw crimes of violence fall over the past year.

"In real terms more law abiding members of the public were able to go about their business unhindered by the criminal minority in the Forth Valley."