Crime rates in Cross Hills have crashed an incredible 29 per cent.

The figure, for the period between April and August, makes the village the only district in the western area covered by North Yorkshire Police to experience a reduction in crime.

Overall crime figures for Craven saw a rise of 16 per cent, but in Cross Hills the number of crimes reported fell to 189, compared to 266 in the same period last year.

Acting Inspector Steve Scott, from Cross Hills police, however suggested that the comparison could be misleading and that last year's figures were disproportionately high.

He said: "I would like the police to take full credit for the drop, but if the truth be known it is because in the same period last year we got absolutely hammered."

Acting Insp Scott has also warned residents not to become complacent following a spate of car crime and burglaries in the area, and advised people to make sure that they locked their windows and took their car keys to bed with them.