CRIME has fallen dramatically across south Worcestershire over the past 12 months, with violent crime down in the region by more than six per cent.

Police, politicians and crime partnership workers have all hailed the end-of-year statistics for 2007-08 as a clear sign their ongoing work is paying off.

Latest figures show overall crime has fallen in south Worcestershire for the fourth consecutive year, down by 6.7 per cent on last year - a drop of more than 1,300 crimes.

Vehicle crime was down by almost eight per cent, violent crime by more than six per cent, and burglary by around one per cent.

Although the full breakdown of figures will not be released until later this month, the statistics were revealed by Worcester's Labour MP Mike Foster following a meeting with West Mercia Police Chief Supt Rod Reynolds.

Mr Foster said: "I want to put on the record my thanks to the local police for the efforts they have made to help reduce crime in south Worcestershire. "To see a further reduction, for the fourth successive year, is really good news for local people. Their chance of being a victim of crime is further reduced.

"That said, I am not complacent in the least - and neither is Chief Supt Reynolds. "Local people want to see crime levels cut further."

The figures mean West Mercia Police have far surpassed their target of a 2.5 per cent year-on-year reduction in crime.

Chief Supt Reynolds said: "We are pleased crime levels continue to reduce across the division. We will continue to police as a team in south Worcestershire and work hard to reduce crime."

Mr Foster and his Tory counterpart Peter Luff, the MP for Mid-Worcestershire, both highlighted citizen awareness and improving technology as key factors in helping to reduce crime.

"Credit should be given to groups like Neighbourhood Watch, who play a vital role," Mr Foster said. "We should also acknowledge the new technologies that help prevent crimes being committed. "Better vehicle security is great, and CCTV plays a vital role in crime prevention."

Mr Luff echoed the comments, saying: "The police are doing a good job locally, and I think people are also protecting their property a lot better."

The statistics were also hailed by the South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, a group which brings together local authorities, police and other groups.