Ryedale remains one of the safest places to live in the country as crime in North Yorkshire continues to fall.

A major plus for the Ryedale area is that victim satisfaction rates have increased by 14.4 per cent to 94.4 per cent.

Targeted initiatives such as Operation Hawk – North Yorkshire Police’s crackdown on rural crime – has contributed to the continued reduction in offences, as well as the hard work of local officers.

The Office of National Statistics’ Crime in England and Wales report - for the 12 month period ending in September 2013 – shows a five per cent drop in crime in the North Yorkshire as a whole with a total of 34,363 fewer crimes.

This amounts to 1,593 fewer victims of crime in our communities and crime rate per thousand population of 43 – the lowest in England and second lowest in England and Wales.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “Residents in Ryedale can rest assured that crime continues to be reduced across the county.

“Importantly the number of victims who are satisfied with the service they have received from the North Yorkshire Police has risen significantly and officers are working extremely hard to ensure that these figures continue to improve.

“Operation Hawk has had an impact across North Yorkshire but in particular in rural areas which can be vulnerable to travelling criminals. The operation has focused on protecting the county’s borders and putting visible resources into isolated areas which acts as a deterrent to criminals who prey on our rural communities.

“Local officers have also been working hard to combat crime in the area and hold regular police surgeries throughout the district to meet local residents and discuss any concerns they have.”

More information about police surgeries in the Ryedale area can be found on the North Yorkshire Police website northyorkshire.police.uk

To continue reducing crime in Ryedale District, officers need the support of the local community.

You can help by reporting any suspicious incidents or concerns you have to North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option one – and pass information to the force control room.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.