Recorded crime in Yorkshire and Humber fell by 3.7 per cent in the 12 months to March 2001, according to figures published by the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate.

The number of notifiable offences recorded by police has fallen by 1,329 since March 2000.

Home Office crime reduction director for Yorkshire and Humber Greg Dyche said: "These figures show the continued success of targeted and effective action against crime.

"They are the result of excellent work by the police, local councils, community groups and others.

"The key to achieving safer communities is to build stronger communities.

"We will do everything that we can to continue to mobilise our communities in the fight to tackle crime, to make our neighbourhoods safer and to reclaim our streets."

Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "A great deal of attention has traditionally been paid to the police recorded crime statistics. But if we want to see a more accurate picture of what is really happening, I believe you have to look at the British crime survey.

"I want to see much more consistent recording of offences across police force areas so that crimes have the same definitions -- that are readily understood by the public.

"We cannot have a situation where a smashed window might be recorded as an attempted burglary in one force area but as criminal damage in another.

"The new police standards unit will help bring everyone up to the standard of the best."