POLICE in Ryedale have today been praised after official figures revealed that annual crime had fallen by more than 200 crimes since last year, making it the safest place to live in North Yorkshire.

Across Ryedale, crime fell by a whopping 10.8 per cent in 2009, down from 2,027 offences in 2008 to 1,808 in 2009.

It is the first time in years the figure has fallen below the 2,000 mark and was the lowest recorded figure across North Yorkshire in 2009.

Burglaries, criminal damage, drug offences, fraud and forgery cases, robberies and theft and handling of stolen goods show a marked reduction. However, violence and sexual offences saw a slight increase.

Statistics obtained exclusively using the Freedom of Information Act show there were 44,469 crimes in North Yorkshire in 2009. There were 49,149 crimes the previous year.

Of the 44,469 crimes reported last year, York topped the list with 15,427 (down from 18,367 in 2008), followed by Scarborough with 7,973 crimes (down from 8,129), Harrogate with 7,239 crimes (down from 7,798), Selby with 4,054 crimes (down from 4,764), Hambleton with 3,854 crimes (down from 3,818), Craven with 2,150 crimes (down from 2,367), Richmondshire with 1,960 (up from 1,886) and Ryedale with 1,808 (down from 2,027).

Ryedale MP Anne Mcintosh said: “I very much welcome these crime figures.

“I would like to congratulate the police in our area and across North Yorkshire who work hard every day to drive down crime.

“My only concern is that anti-social behaviour does seem to continue year on year and I just hope the new Government can address these issues."”

Insp Tim Hutchinson, head of Ryedale Police, said figures recorded for the year ending April 2010 showed an even greater drop of 16.5 per cent.”

He added: “It is an excellent return due to the hard work of the council, police and community working together to keep this area as one of the most peaceful places to live in England. It is something we should all be proud of.”