BURGLARIES and drug offences remain low in Wiltshire while vehicle crime and violence has increased, according to figures released by the Home Office.

The quarterly results outline Wiltshire Police crime figures compared to the same period last year.

The force is positioned tenth out of 43 police forces nationally for overall numbers of reported crime, recording 35,935.

Burglaries at residential properties have reduced by 10.2 per cent, making Wiltshire the third lowest nationally. The force is also the second lowest in the number of drug offences.

But the figures show an increase of 12 per cent in violence against the person, which police say was expected due to a change in the way these crimes are recorded. Within this category there is an increase in violence in the home but public violence has reduced by six per cent.

Wiltshire has also seen an 8.7 per cent reduction in the most serious violent crime. Vehicle crime remains high across the county and Wiltshire Police has been running initiatives to remind motorists to keep their vehicles locked, with valuables out of sight.

Police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire Angus Macpherson said:“I welcome these figures as the base line for my forthcoming Police and Crime Plan for the next five years.

“Wiltshire continues to be a low crime area, but there are specific measures which I will be discussing with partners and the chief constable.

“The figures emphasise the need for closer working with Wiltshire and Swindon councils in our joint effort to keep Wiltshire and Swindon safe, both in the home and in our towns and countryside.”