POLICE say crime has dropped by nearly 15 per cent in south Worcestershire since last year.

And officers added that detection of crime was up by six per cent in the area - in which Droitwich Spa falls.

South Worcestershire police dealt with 20,739 offences in the last financial year, compared with 24,305 in the previous 12 months.

Detected crime rose from 31 per cent to 37 per cent.

In Droitwich Spa, the biggest reduction was in violent crime, which is down by 8.9 per cent since the previous year.

Chief Superintendent Simon Adams, South Worcestershire Divisional Commander, said: "A marked reduction across all key crime areas - burglaries, vehicles, violence and robbery - is particularly encouraging.

"The consistent success in the ongoing fight against criminals demonstrates our determination to tackle offences of all types and at all levels, whether organised or indiscriminate."

He added: "The welcome and substantial reduction in recorded crime - coupled to increased detections across the board - provides massive reassurance to the law-abiding members of the community throughout South Worcestershire that the tide is continuing to turn.

"At the same time, it also sends an equally potent message to both active and potential offenders that we will remain focused on achieving further reductions in crime levels - and will certainly not be resting on our laurels."

Ch Supt Adams also said the division was at full strength with more than 300 officers and community support officers, the highest ever recorded.