Overall crime rates were 30% below the national average

It means the rate of crime in Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire is at its lowest level for six years.

The British Crime Survey figures show the number of crimes fell from 55,500 in 2004-05 to 49,500 last year.

Chief Constable Paul West said the figures showed the force's determination to cut crime.

The total recorded crime was more than 30% less than the national average with violent crime, burglary and theft of and from vehicles all marked below the national average rate.

'One of safest places'

The number of crimes detected by the force has risen to its highest level since 2002.

The force said the figure was a 5% rise compared to 2004/05 and placed the West Mercia force as one of the top five performing forces in the country.

Chief Constable Paul West said: "We are determined to drive down all types of crime across West Mercia and these figures reflect the commitment of officers and staff to keep reducing crime and targeting those who commit it.

"I hope that the communities we serve will take valuable reassurance from these figures.

"Nowhere is immune to crime, however West Mercia is one of the safest places in the country in which to live and work and we will continue to do all we can to make sure it stays that way."