OVERALL crime across the West Mercia force area, which covers Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa, is at its lowest for six years - according to the latest Home Office figures.

The British Crime Survey statistics show that ten per cent fewer crimes were reported to the authority in 2005/06 compared with a national average fall of one per cent.

The number of recorded offences in the West Mercia region was down to 85,353, from 95,056 in 2004/05.

Violent crime fell by 14 per cent in the last year in contrast to a decrease of one per cent in the number of offences recorded nationally, while there was an 11 per cent reduction in burglaries and vehicle crime.

Chief Constable Paul West said he was pleased with the figures after what had been a 'challenging 12 months.'

"I am pleased that these latest figures demonstrate the continued commitment of officers and staff to maintaining the highest level of service for local communities," he said.

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

"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.

"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."