Drug crime has risen by seven per cent across West Mercia – which covers Shropshire – although the total number of offences committed in the police force area have dropped, Home Office figures reveal today.

The number of drug-related offences recorded by the police force between September 2008 and September 2009, totalled 2,771. Robberies were also up in the 12 months to 544 – an increase of four per cent.

However, violent crime was down five per cent and sexual offences also dropped by four per cent.

Overall a total of 74,246 crimes were recorded by the force during the period – a fall of six per cent.

Richard Ewels, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: “In West Mercia recorded crime is down by six per cent for the 12 months up to September 2009. We are pleased to note crimes against the person are down by five per cent and sexual offences are down by four per cent.

“We have made the drugs issues a priority. We have targeted suppliers and dealers who bring drugs in to the area and we received tremendous support from the public.”

Nationally, statistics showed surprising falls in burglaries and robberies across England and Wales.

Quarterly figures showed domestic break-ins fell by eight per cent, robbery by nine per cent and vehicle crime by 20 per cent, between July and September last year.

The British Crime Survey, which gives a better indication of trends in crime by speaking to victims, showed the overall risk of being a victim of crime fell to a historic low of 22 per cent.

Police minister David Hanson said the data showed “serious acquisitive crime is down”.

“I would like to thank police and partners for their continuing efforts in bearing down on these crimes, especially in tough economic times.

“This is being supported by our £20 million package of support targeting priority areas to nip burglary and robbery in the bud, help secure up to 60,000 vulnerable homes,” he added.

By London reporter Sunita Patel