Dumfries and Galloway police chief hails crime decline

Mr Shearer said he was "impressed" by the performance of his force

The chief constable of Dumfries and Galloway has highlighted a fall in reported crime of nearly 11%.

In his annual report, Pat Shearer said he continued to be "impressed" by the friendliness of his force and its performance in general.

He said the figures for 2009/10 showed the "good work being carried out every day" by the force across the region.

Mr Shearer added that the challenge was to maintain the "excellent run" of performance.

The figures reveal reported crimes down by 604 which equates to a reduction of about 11%.

The downward trend is based on a comparison of the last 12 months with the three-year average.

There were 89 fewer crimes involving violence and indecency and there was a similar drop in the drug supply and possession offences.

'Remarkable level'

There was also a drop in deaths and serious injuries on the region's roads.

The only reported rise was in crime involving racially-aggravated offences which went up two to 86.

Detection rates for the year were 61% which Mr Shearer said was the highest in Scotland.

Mr Shearer said: "When I came to the force three years ago I remarked at the time how impressed I was with the friendliness of the people and the performance of the force in general.

"Three years on and I find myself still being impressed.

"Year on year the force has performed to a remarkable level."

He said the police would need the support from communities and other groups in order to maintain the levels of performance.