RECORDED crime fell by more than 5,000 incidents last year, a reduction of 10 per cent, according to figures from Gwent Police Authority.

Figures in a performance report due to be discussed by police authority members on Thursday, show a total of 45,668 crimes were recorded in 2010/11 compared to 50,742 in 2009/10, a reduction of 5,074 incidents.

Dwelling burglary offences fell by 184 incidents (six per cent) from 3,066 in 2009/10 to 2,882 in 2010/11, a reduction the report describes as "exceptional."

The report states: "Integrated offender management processes are no taking effect in each local policing unit with police, probation, the Drugs Intervention Programme and other key partners working closer together to manage the behaviour of the most problematic offenders in a much more joined up and effective way."

The number of incidents of anti-social behaviour also fell with 54,466 incidents in 2010/11 compared to 63,703 in 2009/10, 9,237 less incidents (14.5 per cent).

Other theft and handling was the only area to show an increase from 10,017 in 2009/10 to 10,418 in 2010/11, a rise of 401 incidents (four per cent).

The report states that almost 10 per cent of the incidents were linked to metal thefts, which the force is tackling through two operations - 'Steele' and 'Ignite.'

Of the 45,668 crimes recorded in 2010/11, a total of 13,778 have been detected, resulting in a detection rate of 30.2 per cent, compared to the 2009/10 rate of 26.2 per cent.

According to the report, public confidence in the force has risen from 48 per cent to 52 per cent.

The report concludes that 2010/11 showed the force had made "vast improvements."