AVON and Somerset is one of the top crime-busting forces in the country, according to the Home Office report on the British Crime Survey.

The announcement comes after the force announced there were 6,334 fewer victims of crime last year than the previous 12 months.

The figures show crime levels locally lower than the national average, while the constabulary was one of only four to oversee a drop in personal crime such as robbery and assault.

The number of victims of household and personal crime are slightly lower than average, while the fear of burglary and violent crime and concerns about anti-social behaviour are less than elsewhere in the UK.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Mortimore said: "These figures show the communities in Avon and Somerset feel safe compared to other parts of the country.

"They confirm that people living in our force area are not only safer than they were 12 months ago, but they feel safer too.

"Our aim is to strive to ensure that over the next year, the communities we serve are safer still."

The force's detection rate has risen from 17% to 23% joint eighth best improvement in the country.

Total crime is down 4%, joint 13th best in the country.

ACC Mortimore said: "Last year our sanction detection rate placed us at the bottom of the table of all the police forces in England and Wales - now we are 33rd.

"Further improvements are being sought this year, and so far are being achieved."

The survey also shows 53% of people in Avon and Somerset are confident in the police, joint 12th highest in the country.

ACC Mortimore said: "The overall picture is an encouraging one. Crime is down, we have achieved a notable improvement in our detection rates, public satisfaction is good."