CRIME in North Yorkshire has fallen to the lowest level in ten years but the police have vowed to cut it further.

Police figures show a three per cent drop in crime from last year which is the fifth consecutive year there has been a drop in the county.

The figures reveal that in 12 months up to March 31 2009 there were 48,769 crimes across the force area.

The only other year since 1995 when there has been less than 50,000 crimes was in 1997-98 when there was 48,068.

North Yorkshire Police’s deputy chief constable Adam Briggs welcomed the news but vowed the force would not rest on its laurels.

He said: "This latest fall in crime is a tribute to the hard work of our officers and staff.

"It is great news for the police and our partners but most of all for the people of North Yorkshire.

"It’s remarkable to think that in the past 12 months there were well over 22,000 fewer victims of crime in North Yorkshire than just five years ago.

"The public want police officers on the streets not stuck behind desks and that is what we have targeted our resources towards.

"There is still more to be done and we have a number of initiatives lined up to ensure we continue to make life as difficult as possible for criminals."

DCC Briggs said he felt a Capacity and Capability Review done by the force last year had helped.

He said: "The review looked into every aspect of police business to ensure we were operating as effectively and efficiently as possible.

"It has realised substantial savings which we have been able to plough back into front-line policing whilst also launching a major recruitment drive and training programme.

"The force is now well placed to deliver the best possible policing service to local people."