GWENT had the biggest drop in crime in Britain in the past 12 months, new figures show.

The overall level of reported crime in the area fell by 17 per cent from 56,728 to 46,938 incidents, according to the national crime figures for April 2001/2002.

The force also had the second highest detection rate in the UK. But Assistant Chief Constable Bill Horne says he won't be satisfied until the crime level is even lower.

In an exclusive interview with the Argus he said: "Our staff, with the support of the Police Authority, have worked consistently to improve the quality of life for the people of Gwent.

"As a result of their efforts there are 10,000 fewer victims this year. Crime is falling and I am happy about that but we have to make it fall even further. I will not be satisfied until it is an awful lot lower."

The biggest reduction, of 34 per cent, was in violent crime. ACC Horne added: "We have really put a lot of effort into tackling violent crime.

"Newport had the reputation of being the most violent city in the country.

"We knew this wasn't the case but we have been very proactive in dealing with violent situations before they get out of hand."

Yesterday the Argus revealed the house burglary rate in Newport had risen by 106 per cent in the last three months compared to the same period last year. We featured a story about pensioners Edward and Mary Kembrey who are scared to leave their home.

ACC Horne said: "Nobody should be a prisoner in their own home, I won't be happy until Mr Kembrey and people like him don't have this fear of crime.

"Newport in the last six months has seen an increase in burglaries. Our success with drug dealers has had an impact on property crime.

"It is 100 more crimes then I would have wished to have seen and the rise is worrying.

"But looking in the longer term we have had significant detection."