Over 9,000 adults were questioned in the first round of the survey which will be completed in 2002.

The results showed the crime rate has fallen sharply for the third time since the survey began in 1981.

Between 1999 and 2000 overall crime fell by 12% with a significant reduction in violent crimes, domestic burglary and vehicle-related thefts.

But the survey also found people continue to overestimate the problem of crime with about one third of those questioned believing that crime rates had actually risen.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said the figures were welcome but more needed to be done.

"This is excellent news and is the result of investment in crime reduction initiatives by the government, the police, our community partners and business," he said.

"But rates of crime are still too high and over the coming years we will continue to target burglary, vehicle crime and all forms of violent crime."