Burglary is falling across the East Midlands - except in Leicestershire.

Lincolnshire saw the biggest falls in the region with a 21.6% drop in vehicle crime, burglaries and robberies.

Leicestershire saw the biggest increase in clear-ups with a 3.2% climb in offences brought to court.

The handling of hate crimes was deemed to be "poor" in Notts and Derbys, but was regarded as "good" in Lincs and Leics.

BURGLARIES per 1,000 homes Derbyshire 19.0 (down 10.2%) Leicestershire 17.2 (up 1.0 %) Lincolnshire 12.4 (down 19.9%) Nottinghamshire 37.2 (down 2.7%)

The figures compared the 2003/4 period with the previous 12 months.

The amount of time officers spent on frontline duties ranges from 60% in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, to 62% in Derbyshire and 63% in Leicestershire.

When residents were surveyed for their perceptions about public safety, there was a "significant decrease" in the fear of violence in Lincs and Derbys. Residents in Lincs are also less worried about being burgled than this time last year.

More people are brought to court on drugs charges with a 104% increase in Lincolnshire's figures.

Peter Davies, Lincolnshire's Assistant Chief Constable said: "This is the first year since the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in 2002/03, that we can compare valid statistics and whilst the results for Lincolnshire are impressive, it is important that these are understood in terms of how they affect the community.

VEHICLE CRIME per 1,000 residents Derbyshire 14.9 (down 14.5%) Leicestershire 15.0 (down 12.3 %) Lincolnshire 9.9 (down 17.2%) Nottinghamshire 27.7 (down 8.7%)

"When we talk about a 22% improvement in reducing domestic burglary, vehicle crime and robbery, what this means is that there were 2,209 fewer people who became victims of such crimes last year.

"This is good news for Lincolnshire Police, our partnership agencies and for the people of Lincolnshire.

"The figures will also enhance the already improving situation in respect of the fear of crime by members of the Lincolnshire public."