The latest crime statistics shows there have been over 1,500 less offences in the Dyfed Powys force area. The statistics also prove bad news for criminals with an increase in the detection rate of 1.8 per cent meaning now 44.3 per cent of all crimes within the force are detected.

Total violent crime is down by over 300 offences or five per cent and the detection rate is up 6.1 per cent and now stands at 65.9 per cent.

Crimes involving violence against the person is also down with the detection rate increased by 6.2 per cent to 67.2 per cent.

The number of sexual offences committed in the force area has also fallen by 5.3 per cent and the detection rate has increased to 42.7 per cent.

There were only 35 robberies in the force area which is a reduction of nearly 24 per cent, with 60 per cent of these being detected which equates to an increase of 3.5 per cent.

Chief Constable Ian Arundale said: "We are particularly pleased with the successes we have had in detecting serial paedophiles and in achieving significant prison sentences for them.

"This should send a clear message to paedophiles and other sex offenders that we will not rest until they are brought to justice.

"We will continue to concentrate on all offences of violence particularly domestic abuse and offences relating to the use and abuse of alcohol.

"Both these areas include initiatives where we have worked closely with partner agencies to achieve success and this will be an area we continue to build on in 2009 and beyond."

Domestic burglary and criminal damage also saw decreases in crime and increases in detection rates.

Burglaries of peoples' homes is down by 2.9 per cent which is a decrease of 20 crimes and the detection rate has increased by two per cent to nearly 25 per cent. The latest national figures show a rise in burglaries in the home across England and Wales.

Criminal damage has reduced by 725 offences which equates to 10.9 per cent and the detection rate has increased to 24.3 per cent.

Mr. Arundale added: "The force is very aware successes in preventing and detecting offences is only part of delivering effective policing.

"Significant energy and innovation is already in place to improve levels of satisfaction and confidence amongst the population of visitors to Dyfed Powys.

"A range of other initiatives to improve our operational resilience are already in place."

PEMBROKESHIRE

There were over 500 less offences in the Pembrokeshire Police Division this year.

The detection rate on division has also increased by five per cent to over 43 per cent.

All crime areas were reduced with the largest reductions being in criminal damage (195 fewer offences) and violent crime and vehicle crime which were both reduced by 81 offences.

In addition to this, officers carried out over 5,900 stop checks and over 4,100 breath tests.

Chief Superintendent Dean Richards said: "This is the fourth year in a row that we have continued to reduce crime in Pembrokeshire.

"These figures relate to less victims of crimes and more criminals caught."