CRIME in the Castle Donington and Kegworth policing area has fallen to its lowest in five years.

Since April 1 last year, burglary in North West Leicestershire has dropped 24%; car crime 17%; robbery 19%; and violent crime 20%.

Overall, crime has dropped from 6,382 offences in 2003-04 to 5,047 in 2009-10 – a reduction of nearly 21%, with 1,335 fewer victims of crime.

The only areas showing a slight increase are drug offences and 'theft from person', which currently stands at 80 offences – but 70 of those were during the Download music festival at Donington Park.

Drug offences show an increase of 4%, from 195 to 203, which the force says "reflects the proactive approach" being taken to getting drug warrants and carrying them out.

Inspector Chris Brown, commander of the local policing unit, which has a population of 88,000, said: "I hope people living in North West Leicestershire feel safer knowing that crime is decreasing not increasing.

"The reductions are the result of a lot of dedication and hard work and we've used a wide range of tactics including a robust approach to dealing with offenders, covert operations, high visibility policing and crime prevention.

"We are not complacent and will continue to target the minority of people who commit the majority of crime, but we do need the public's help in this."