WEST Craveners are less likely to be burgled or have their car stolen than they were a year ago.

That's the good news from end-of-year figures just released by police in Lancashire's Pennine Division, which includes West Craven.

They show a slight increase in overall crime of 0.5 per cent, due partly to changes in the way that crimes are recorded.

But there are significant reductions in the crimes that cause the community the most concern.

Vehicle crime is down 13.4 per cent, disorder is down 12.9 per cent and burglary is down 0.2 per cent.

The figures also show a 17.5 per cent reduction in serious and fatal road accidents and a good rate of success when it comes to answering immediate response calls. Ninety one per cent were answered on time - one per cent above the target figure.

Pennine's Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent John Knowles, said: "We know from feedback at Police and Community Forum meetings and from public surveys that burglary and vehicle crime are key concerns for local people, so we are delighted to be able to say that we have made substantial progress in these two areas.

"We are also pleased with the performance of the Road Policing Unit because a 17.5 per cent reduction in serious and fatal collisions equates to 160 less victims."

Despite the 0.5 per cent increase in overall crime, Mr Knowles remains upbeat.

He added: "We expected a slight increase in crime because of new recording practices introduced by the force last year and because we have been actively trying to increase reporting of domestic violence and racist crimes.

"We make no apology for this very slight increase.

"Our stance is positive and in the interests of the local community we must bring crime out into the open if we are to get a clear picture of it and tackle it effectively.

"Plus, there is no suggestion that more crimes have actually been committed. They have simply been recorded better and actioned appropriately."

However, Mr Knowles will not be resting on his laurels.

"There is no room for complacency," he said. "Working in partnership with local authorities and other community partners, we must now build on the good work already under way to ensure that most categories of crime in Pennine Division continue to fall."