ACPO lead on statistics Deputy Chief Constable Douglas Paxton said:

"The latest crime bulletins published today have shown an overall fall in crime and an increase in confidence in the police. Crime recorded by police in England and Wales fell by seven per cent for the 12 months to September, while the Independent Crime Survey for England and Wales also showed an eight per cent decrease in overall crime. The same survey shows there were 10 million fewer crimes than in 1995.

"All major recorded crime categories showed reductions, most notably robbery offences, which were down 11 per cent, and vehicle theft, down eight per cent. A five per cent drop in violence against the person offences is the lowest level recorded in 10 years - while provisional homicide statistics show a 10 per cent reduction.

"Public confidence in the police has also remained steady with 62 per cent of people stating they believe that the police in their local area are doing a good or excellent job.

"A separate bulletin published today analysing variations in crime trends notes the quality of crime recording by the police remains amongst the best in the world. Ensuring our data is as robust as it can be has a direct impact on public trust and confidence and we will continue to ensure forces continue to meet the national standard when it comes to recording crimes.

"The service remains determined to build on the good work reflected in these publications and the results are a credit to those officers and staff who have faced the challenge of major efficiencies while continuing to tackle crime in our communities."