Crime in Cumbria fell by 12.9 per cent last year, the best crime reduction rate in England and Wales.

Cumbria Constabulary hailed the latest Home Office statistics, saying it showed the county was one of the safest places to live with below average crime level for all categories of offences.

Cumbria also had the second highest detection rate in England, with 34 per cent of all offences being cleared up.

Chief constable Colin Phillips said: "I an especially proud that this force is able to provide such good results on a regular basis.

This comes from hard work and commitment from all my staff.

It means there are fewer victims of crime.

Those who do commit offences should think again: in this county you are likely to be caught."