New figures show 107 break-ins for every 10,000 homes

Maria Wallace, who has now been in post for about 18 months, said she hoped to see further improvements in 2004.

She says she feels as "thrilled and honoured" to be a member of the force now as she was when she first took over and the force's performance over the last year has greatly improved.

The areas which the chief constable highlights as successes are an overall reduction in crime by 1.3%, the fact that there are more than 3,300 officers for the first time ever and that sickness rates have fallen by 10%.

We are all committed to further improving our performance Chief Constable Maria Wallace

The latest crime figures from the Home Office show Devon and Cornwall have one of the lowest burglary rates in the UK.

Statistics for the year to March 2003 show there were just over 7,000 burglaries in the two counties.

The Devon and Cornwall Constabulary recorded 107 break-ins for every 10,000 homes.

Police spokeswoman Pc Abi Clement says record numbers of police officers are having an impact on burglary rates.

She said: "We currently have more than 300 neighbourhood beat managers in post within the force and that I think has contributed significantly to this."

Maria Wallace say there will be further improvements in 2004.

She says the year will bring new challenges, but that hard work, enthusiasm and innovation will overcome them.

She said: "We are all committed to further improving our performance in 2004.

"I am very much looking forward to serving the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly over the next year, and am confident that we will continue to be one of the safest places to live in the country."