Crime and antisocial behaviour in Cumbria continue to fall, annual crime figures show.

The number of incidents reported to Cumbria Constabulary fell from 26,966 to 26,071, a drop of three per cent.

Antisocial behaviour, violent crime and criminal damage also decreased within the year.

Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: “I am pleased that crime remains low in Cumbria and that the hard work of officers and communities around the county is paying off with almost 900 fewer people falling victim to crime last year.

“I am re-assured to see that antisocial behaviour, which is the top priority of our local communities, has reduced so dramatically.

“Local residents tell us that this is the issue that most affects their quality of life in Cumbria and as a result, combatting this has been a main focus for us.”

The statistics confirm that racially aggravated crime has increased, but police put this down to their efforts in encouraging victims to come forward.

Mr Hyde added: “An additional 23 hate crimes have been reported to the police which is concerning on one hand, but a welcome increase on the other.

“We know that incidents of this nature traditionally go unreported which is why we worked with partners to launch third party reporting centres last year.”

Ray Cole, chairman of the Cumbria Police Authority, said: “The Police Authority welcomes these reductions in crime and congratulates the Constabulary on yet another year of driving down crime in Cumbria.”