The force says figures for April to June 2003, produced by the Home Office show that robbery is down 20.9% against the national fall of 7%.

House burglary fell by 6.2% compared with a national figure of 4%.

Car theft is down a further 8% compared with the same three months in 2002.

The figures show overall violent crime in Northumbria rose by only 0.1% while it went up 9% nationally.

Violence against the person went up locally by 1.1% compared with a 12% increase across the country.

Since April 2002 all forces have used a rigid set of rules, known as the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS), which remove variations in crime recording practices regionally and nationally.

Crime reduction

For the full year 2002/3, overall crime in Northumbria went up by 9%.

Northumbria Police chief constable Crispian Strachan says: "The latest statistics show that Northumbria is once again setting the trend when it comes to crime reduction.

"Last year's figures, the first full 12 months using the National Crime Recording Standard, gave us a sound base on which to judge future crime levels and the trend is very definitely for further crime reductions.

"Northumbria hasn't reached this position by being complacent.

"We work hard to establish meaningful relationships with other agencies, believe that community beat managers with local responsibility are the foundation of successful policing and are continually seeking other ways in which to improve our level of service.

"We have embarked on a major review of our public service and performance which we believe will make us even more responsive to local needs and effective against the criminal."