CRIME in Lancashire fell by more than four per cent in the past year, according to Home Office figures released this week.

For the 12-month period ending in September last year Lancashire was one of 25 forces across the country to show a marked reduction in all crime.

The figures also reveal burglary in the county was reduced by nearly eight per cent while all vehicle crime fell by four per cent.

Violent crime in Lancashire, however, rose by half a per cent to nearly 11 per cent of all offences committed in the county.

The figures from the Home Office Statistical Bulletin show the number of crimes per 100,000 population for Lancashire was 7,532 compared to 9,910 per 100,000 population for the country.

Detective chief superintendent Adrian McAllister, Lancashire police's crime support co-ordinator, said: "The figures are certainly encouraging in that they do show that our crime reduction methods are working, although there has been an upward trend in the three-month period since September.

"Part of this can be explained by the new crime recording procedures which are being introduced.

"Lancashire police is leading the way in developing a more accurate picture of crime and we are assisting a national working party looking at police crime statistics.

"The new methods mean more offences are being recorded if not actually committed."

He added: "We accept that there has to be an increase in the figures through our efforts to record and develop a more complete picture of crime across the county.

"It also makes it easier for us to focus our attentions on reducing those crimes which cause most public concern -- house burglaries, car crime and violence.

"Through our work with the local community safety partnerships we will continue to target those individuals who commit the most crime and who pose the highest risk."