REPORTED crime in both Herts and Cambs has fallen, but the same Home Office figures reveal drug offences have risen.

The data released on Friday for the 12 months to the end of June this year show that overall crime fell in Cambridgeshire by seven per cent and in Hertfordshire by four per cent.

But drugs offences appear to have soared by 30 per cent in Cambs with the county’s force claiming this is due to a clampdown on the production and supply of drugs.

Chief constable Simon Parr said: “These Home Office figures are very encouraging and recent force figures show we have continued to head in the right direction since June.

“They clearly demonstrate our commitment to tackling crime, despite the challenging financial climate and the fundamental changes the force is currently going through.

“It is particularly pleasing to see significant reductions in robbery, burglary and vehicle crime because they have an impact on so many victims.

“However, we will not be complacent and our drive to put the fear of crime into the criminals will continue.”

A similar picture is painted in Hertfordshire with dwelling burglary dropped nine per cent and vehicle crime down 13 per cent - but again drug crime has shot up by two per cent.

Overall there were over 2,700 fewer recorded crimes in the county compared to the same period in the previous year.

David Lloyd, chairman of Herts Police Authority, said: “I would like to thank the officers, staff and volunteers of the constabulary for the excellent work they carry out in maintaining Hertfordshire as one of the safest counties in the country, especially as these positive figures build on several years of sustained crime reduction.

“During this period of financial challenge the Police Authority will continue to monitor the Constabulary’s performance to ensure that resources are used effectively.”