ALMOST 3,500 fewer crimes happened in North Somerset last year than three years previously.
The number of incidents has dropped by a quarter between 2010 and 2013, according to the latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics this month.
Regional success is being matched across Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s patch. In the past 12 months, crime dropped by seven per cent in total.
It fell in all areas, bar four: violence without injury, sexual offences, shoplifting and possession with weapons.
Sue Mountstevens, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, said the figures reflect a successful 12 months of policing in North Somerset.
She said: “In the past year we have had success in tackling drug crime, antisocial behaviour and burglary, securing some significant convictions of offenders who are individually responsible for a high number of offences.”
In 2010, a total of 13,032 crimes were recorded in North Somerset but it fell to 9,679 last year, marking a 26 per cent reduction.
John Penrose, MP for Weston-super-Mare, said North Somerset’s police deserved great credit for the success they have achieved.
He said: “These results speak volumes for the dedication and commitment of our local force, and the ?way they’re being managed too.”
Offences where rates have fallen the most in the past 12 months (percentage decrease):
* Robbery (23).
* Non-domestic burglary (18).
* Domestic burglary (16).
* Theft from person (12).
Offences where rates have risen the most in the past 12 months (percentage increase):
* Sexual offences (26).
* Possession of weapons offences (9).
* Shoplifting (8).
* Violence without injury (2).