Crime figures have dropped following the introduction of Cumbria Constabulary's Respect campaign.

Latest figures comparing performance in the financial year 06/07 compared to 05/06 show that both violent crime and criminal damage across the county have reduced.

In North Cumbria both violent crime and criminal damage have dropped by 6.9 per cent.

In the West of the county violent crime is down by 8.7 per cent and criminal damage is down by 12.7 per cent.

In South Cumbria violent crime is down by 15.3 per cent while criminal damage has been reduced by 1.2 per cent.

Force wide criminal damage has dropped by 7.2 per cent and violent crime is down by 10.4 per cent.

Assistant Chief Constable Graham Sunderland said: "I am delighted by the latest results. Violent crime, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour are the main issues of concern within our local communities and over the last twelve months Cumbria Constabulary has been working hard with partners to tackle these problems. In April 2006 we adopted the Respect campaign which involves working with partners to focus on the causes of anti-social behaviour in our communities.

"Key to the success of the Respect campaign has been the significant number of activities and operations held in each area and at Headquarters.

"Respect isn't just about ASBOs and Injuctions, it's about using a mixture of enforcement and partnership support to improve standards and values for the law abiding majority. Without members of the public who are willing to take a stand against perpetrators of anti-social behaviour we wouldn't have the success we have.

"Over the coming months we will build on this success by continuing to work with our partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and create stronger, safer communities."