West Mercia Police is claiming a massive drop in the crime has been recorded in the last two years across Telford and Wrekin borough.

During the policing year 2004/2005 the average number of burglaries each month was 82, falling to 60 in the next year.

Since April, the average monthly number of burglaries was less than 40, with a lowest-ever number of 29 in May.

Senior officers said they were extremely pleased with the reduction and praised staff for their efforts.

Det Insp John Elcock, who heads Telford's burglary unit, said the "significant drop" could be attributed to a new strategy.

He said: "Each officer working in the burglary unit has been assigned a local policing area and they ensure that all of the burglaries reported on their area are fully investigated.

"They are also expected to identify patterns and to make themselves aware of burglary suspects either living or coming into their area and to make sure that they are aware of their activities.