South Yorkshire Police has seen another substantial quarterly reduction in overall recorded crime.

From October to December last year, total crime fell by 15% or 5,075 offences across the county compared with the same period in 2008.

The Home Office has today released crime figures for the period July to September 2009 (which South Yorkshire Police included in their October media release).

There were falls in most major crime categories as the Force and partners built on previous results through the Hallowe'en, bonfire night and Christmas period.

"The months leading up to the new year are a busy time for our officers, staff and partners and while noting the impressive drop in numbers, fewer offences means fewer victims of crime and that is testament to our ongoing hard work across the county" said Deputy Chief Constable Bob Dyson.

"It's only with the public's help though that this trend will continue heading in the right direction. As well as reporting crimes and concerns through Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings, we are asking the public to do all they can to prevent crimes.

"For a second quarter in a row, for example, we have seen a dramatic reduction in the number of robberies - this time by 30 per cent (down by 110 to 256 offences). People cannot be complacent so keep your valuables hidden and be aware of your surroundings. Nationally in a third of all robberies, a mobile phone is the only thing taken."

As well as the robbery decrease, there were also some significant reductions in other crimes. House burglaries fell 16%, down by 357 to 1,896 from October to December.

Criminal damage fell 20% (by 1,600 offences to 6,292) compared with the corresponding period in 2008, and vehicle crime fell 25% (by 1,298 to 3,926 offences).

DCC Dyson said: "These two categories account for over half of the reductions in total offences this quarter and can be attributed to initiatives across the Force by our 57 safer neighbourhood teams, district response officers and specialist departments. The majority of vehicle crimes are opportunistic and preventable so you can help us make further reductions by keeping your valuables out of sight."

Total violent crime was down by 11% or 602 offences, to 4,972. Included in this category are robberies (see earlier) and violence against the person (down 10% or by 520 offences).

Gun crime offences have dropped - by two from 28 to 26 (this category excludes air weapons) - while 150 knife crime offences were recorded compared with 180 for the same period in 2008, a decrease of 30 offences.

You can find out more about PACT meetings, the Policing Pledge and what we are doing in your area by visiting www.southyorks.police.uk