Crime is falling across Cumbria according to new Government figures for the end of 2004.

According to Government figures for July to September, burglary fell by 25 per cent, robbery by 16 per cent and theft 29 per cent.

Vehicle theft also fell by 15 per cent and thefts from vehicles came down 19 per cent during a quarter that saw 377 less offences across the county.

But, as reported in the Citizen last week, violent crime has risen by 4.7 per cent, although new ways in which violent crime is recorded have been cited as the cause.

But the rise was lower than the national average of 6 per cent, which has prompted pledges that it will be targeted in Cumbria.

Assistant Chief Constable at Cumbria Police, Graham Sunderland, said the figures proved that the county is a safe place to live, but added: "One victim of crime is one too many for Cumbria Constabulary and we are totally committed to ensuring the downward trends continue," he said.