crime rates in Alresford have fallen to their lowest ever levels say police chiefs in the town.

Figures just released by Hampshire police show not one burglary was committed in Alresford in the course of the last six-months.

Detectives leading the fight against crime in the town say these are the best statistics they can remember in the last 20 years, with reported incidents slashed by half.

Figures reveal that reported crime has dropped by 47 per cent, from 547 incidents in 2003 to 296 in 2004.

The reduction is shown in the area's most commonly reported offences.

Vehicle crime (thefts from vehicles and thefts of vehicles) fell by 56 per cent to 31 cases in the year.

House burglary fell by 52 per cent to 21 cases.

Vandalism fell by 44 per cent to 49 cases.

Violent crime fell by 41 per cent to 50 cases.

Insp Steve Sargent of Alresford police, who has been a local constable for 20 years, praised residents and local pub landlords. He said: "We've had one of the quietest years that anyone can remember and we're so pleased that the types of crime, which have fallen so much, are the ones which the public fear the most."