CRIME figures continue to fall in Hertfordshire. All recorded crime fell by 2.5 per cent in the six months to September this year with burglary down by 11.3 per cent from 2,278 crimes to 2,021. There were also 257 fewer victims of burglary in the first si

CRIME figures continue to fall in Hertfordshire.

All recorded crime fell by 2.5 per cent in the six months to September this year with burglary down by 11.3 per cent from 2,278 crimes to 2,021. There were also 257 fewer victims of burglary in the first six months of this year compared to last year.

Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, chairman of Hertfordshire Police Authority, said: "These figures are very encouraging, particularly in home burglary and vehicle crime which continue to show a substantial reduction.

"However, there is more work to be done, especially in relation to reducing perceptions of crime. Surveys show that people in Hertfordshire still have a greater fear of crime when compared to actual figures.

"I hope these falling crime figures reassure people that Hertfordshire really is a safe county in which to live."

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies' assessment supports the police authority view that Hertfordshire has a very good police force that continues to strive for greater efficiency and improvement.

"However, there is still an excessive demand placed on police forces by the vast number of inspection regimes that they have to comply with and we are encouraged that the Home Secretary is aiming to revise and simplify the system," added Mr Laidlaw-Dickson.

Hertfordshire Chief Constable Frank Whiteley said: "Falling crime levels are excellent news and we will continue with our initiatives to drive down crime further.

"With falling crime and record numbers of officers on the streets of Hertfordshire we should also see fear of crime falling as well.

"This has not been the case in recent months with surveys showing fear of crime rising in the county.

"Therefore we will be working to ensure that alongside making Hertfordshire safer we will also communicate more with our public so they have the information to feel safer as well.