End of year crime statistics reveal that crime is continuing to fall in Wirral - with more than 2,700 fewer incidents in the twelve months to March than in the previous year.

Over the past year, overall crime in Wirral has reduced by 13%, which means 2766 fewer crimes were committed when compared to the previous twelve months.

Other reductions compared to the previous year are:

All Crime - down by 13 per cent (2766 less crimes)

Anti-social behviour - down by 23 per cent (4660 less crimes)

Violent crime - down by 12 per cent (491 less crimes)

Criminal damage - down by 28 per cent (1504 less crimes)

Vehicle crime - down by 22 per cent (334 less crimes)

Robbery - down by 10 per cent (16 less crime)

Burglary - down by 9 per cent (88 less crimes)

Wirral's Police Commander Chief Superintendent Jon Ward said: "Crime is continuing to fall in Wirral.

"This is testament to all the hard work of Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables, Police Staff, volunteers and our partner agencies who all work towards creating and maintaining a safer Wirral.

"We have recently introduced the Policing Pledge and have in fact been one of the first forces in the country to do so.

"Through implementing The Policing Pledge we aim to deliver the best possible policing service to our communities.

"I remain committed to making Wirral one of the safest places to live and work in Merseyside."

Nationally, the number of house break-ins rose sharply in the final months of last year.

That increase is being linked to a "credit crunch crimewave" sparked by the recession.

Recorded crime figures from all police forces in England and Wales show a collective 4% rise in domestic burglaries between October and December.

The statistics from the British Crime Survey show a 25% rise in thefts.

For more information on the Policing Pledge or for information on how to contact your Neighbourhood Policing Team, click on the related links below this story.