Cumbria has experienced an 8.6 per cent reduction in crime, according to figures presented at a Public Accountability Conference.

Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, praised this substantial decrease in reported crimes, cementing Cumbria Constabulary's status as one of the top police forces in the country.

Mr McCall revealed details comparing this year with the previous, which indicated there were approximately 2,000 fewer victims of crime.

Specific areas of great concern, such as neighbourhood crimes including burglaries and incidents involving knives, saw a significant drop by 25 per cent in the year leading up to November.

Cumbria's conviction rates for domestic abuse were reported to be a considerable 90 per cent in September, significantly above the national average of 76 per cent.

Cumbria Constabulary also ranked fourth nationally for the mean percentage of 999 calls answered in under 10 seconds in October.

Over 96 per cent of the non-emergency 101 calls were answered within a five-minute timeframe.

Peter McCall, said: "I am of course pleased to see crime continue to fall across the county by 8.6 per cent.

"This reflects the offender-focused approach that the Constabulary has adopted catching more criminals, bringing them to justice and sends a clear message that they should not come to Cumbria to commit their crimes

“Overall, the Constabulary are doing a fantastic job to tackle and prevent crime, but I would still urge the public to report any crimes to 999 and 101."

Deputy chief constable Darren Martland said: "There were more than 2,000 fewer victims of crime in this period and offences that cause great concern to the public, such as burglary and knife crime, decreased.

“The nature of crime changes as society changes. More offences are taking place online and are of a far more complex nature.

He also announced the launch of their rural crime policing team and roads policing unit as added measures for combatting crime.

He concluded: "I’d like to thank our officers and staff for their ongoing hard work and professionalism this year and also thank the public for continuing to support and engage with the constabulary."