CRIME has fallen across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight according to statistics published today (Thursday).
The figures, compiled by the Office for National Statistics, compare the year ending September 2012, with the same period in 2011.
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight police spokeswoman said: "The figures show that burglary from homes across Hampshire and Isle of Wight is down from seven burglaries per 1000 population to six – a drop of 22 per cent – making Hampshire Constabulary third best performing force for reducing dwelling burglary.
"Robbery has seen a reduction of 27 per cent, violence against a person causing injury is down by 15 per cent and criminal damage is down 13 per cent.
"Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have seen a reduction in crime across the board from 65 per 1000 of the population to 62, making it the 10th best performing force for reducing crime."
The news has been welcomed by newly elected police and crime commissioner Simon Hayes.
"I would like to praise the work of all Hampshire Constabulary officers and staff in reducing crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
"I continue to be impressed by the dedication shown by everyone in the force to make our communities safer.
"The role of partner organisations in the overall reduction of crime cannot be ignored either, and this is something I am looking to strengthen in the coming years to ensure that wider community solutions are drawn up to address the problems in society, and that there is not an expectation of the police alone to deal with it.
"These figures provide a strong indication of the direction of travel for the force. I will be sitting down with the new chief constable as part of my regular meetings with him to look closely at these figures and to satisfy myself that Hampshire Constabulary can continue to sustain this level of performance and will remain one of the top performing forces in the country."
Outgoing Hampshire Constabulary chief constable, Alex Marshall, said: "My aim since joining the constabulary in 2008 has always been to protect the people we serve from those who would cause them harm by making our two counties a hostile environment for criminals.
"I am leaving content in the knowledge that this legacy is continuing.
"The 12 per cent reduction in total crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is testament to the tireless dedication, commitment, hard work and 'one team’ approach of officers and staff.
"Burglary has been a particular focus of the force in recent years, under the banner Operation Nemesis.
"It is a horrific crime which can have a long lasting effect on its victims, leaving people feeling vulnerable in the one place they are supposed to feel the most secure.
"I am very pleased to see that dwelling burglary has now reduced across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by 22 per cent. I’m confident this reduction will continue under the new chief constable."