CRIME in Gwent fell by more than 5% last year, according to the latestperformance figures released by police.

Gwent Police also have the second best detection rate in the UK.

During 2004/2005, overall crime decreased by 5.3% with a drop in household burglaries by more than 20%, drug offences down 9.3% and vehicle crime cut by 5.4%.

Violent crime (which includes sex offences) is down by 0.4%, assaults have fallen by 3.7% and criminal damage dropped by 3%.

In 2003/2004, Gwent police recorded the second best detection rate in the UK.

They remain in second place with a 41.4% success rate. The figures show emergency 999 call response times have significantly improved, with 80% of calls being answered within 60 seconds.

Chief Constable Mike Tonge said: "This is a pleasing set of results. It shows that over the last 12 months, Gwent has become a safer place.

"Not only does it show that levels of crime are decreasing in Gwent, it highlights a class-leading performance in terms of response and detection.

"We are leading the field, especially in terms of household and vehicle-related detection.

"With closer working relations with our communities, I am confident that these figures will improve even further."