Across the county, crime rates from 1st April 2007 to 31st March 2008, fell from 81,037 to 77,534 –– meaning there were 3,500 fewer victims during this period.

House burglary was one of the biggest areas to fall with a 15 per cent drop –– with 653 fewer victims –– while there were 1,556 vehicle crime offences, which fell by 16 per cent.

Criminal damage has also been reduced by more than 2,200 offences, with violent crime the only category to show a rise with a three per cent increase or 594 more offences.

Derbyshire Police Authority chairman Janet Birkin says the force has continued to achieve consistently high results and the county remains one of the safest places to live, work and visit in the Midlands.

She said: "Over the past two years Derbyshire Constabulary has been significantly under-funded to the tune of £11m and yet we are able to deliver an excellent service to our residents.

"In fact, if you analyse the figures for the past five years they show a huge reduction in crime by up to a quarter –– meaning a total of more than 25,000 fewer victims.

"This could not be achieved without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with Derbyshire Constabulary.

"However, we will not be resting on our laurels and it will remain a priority of the authority and the force to continue to address issues important to local people, including the rise in violent crime which is affecting police forces nationally."