Crime on Merseyside has continued to fall for the fourth year running, according to the latest Home Office statistics released today.

Merseyside has seen some of the biggest decreases in crime across England and Wales.

And according to the British Crime Survey, the public of Merseyside remain confident in the job police are doing.

Quarterly crime statistics show an 8 per cent reduction in all crime nationally, but Merseyside Police has achieved an 8.3 per cent reduction over the same period, July 2009 to Sept 2009 compared to July 2008 to Sept 2008.

That equates to 2,393 fewer crimes in the region.

The British Crime Survey, also released today, gives an encouraging indicator that residents have confidence in Merseyside Police - amongst the Metropolitan forces, Merseyside is ranked top, with 55.95 per cent of people agreeing that alongside their partners, the force is dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour.

Findings for the July to September 2009 period - compared to the previous year include:

A reduction in violence against the person by 6.4 per cent, which equates to 315 fewer incidents. Nationally this reduction was 4 per cent.

Robbery has also decreased by 9.8 per cent, with 39 fewer incidents. Nationally this reduction was 9 per cent.

Burglary has decreased by 1.4 per cent, with 26 fewer incidents of burglary. Over 12 months fallen by 6.66 per cent (September 2009, compared with the 12 months previous).

Incidents of gun crime and knife crime have also decreased across the region.

Gun crime has seen a 40.7 per cent reduction with 37 fewer incidents and serious violent knife crime has seen a 20.6 per cent reduction with 47 fewer incidents.

Vehicle crime-related offences have also decreased with 623 fewer incidents across the quarter, a reduction of 18.6 per cent.

Assistant Chief Constable Helen King said: "The results from the British Crime Survey reflect the confidence people have in Merseyside Police and this is further enhanced by the encouraging statistics, which show crime falling again across our region.

"Merseyside Police has operated a number of successful initiatives, such as Operation Handle, Staysafe and the ASB Taskforce, which have brought about this decrease in crime, but we do not work alone.

"Such a reduction is only brought about through partnership working with local councils, other agencies and of course with the assistance of the public of Merseyside.

"In a number of areas, such as violence against the person and robbery, we have out performed the national average.

"This is a credit to the officers and staff who work tirelessly to make Merseyside a safe place to live, work and visit.

"While these statistics are great news for the people in the area, one crime is one crime too many.

"We appreciate that crime can have a devastating effect on victims and therefore we are not complacent.

"We want to continue this improvement in reducing crime in Merseyside and strive to make Merseyside the best force in the country."

Cllr Bill Weightman, chair of Merseyside Police Authority, said: "I would like to commend the force for maintaining performance and while we are pleased that this is the case the authority now wants the force to concentrate on the quality of service they deliver, while continuing this trend.

"We want the community to feel valued by the service and for them to have confidence when contacting the police for a service, whether it's an emergency or general enquiry.

"We also want police officers to use their discretion more when dealing with minor offences.

"We want the whole Merseyside community not only to be told that they have the best police service in the country but for them to feel, and say, that they have the best.

"We must deliver the Policing Pledge for our communities and meet the challenges offered in achieving this in partnership with the community."