FIGURES released by police have shown that the number of crimes committed in Ayrshire continues to fall.

Police Scotland’s report shows that serious assault cases are down from last year with 17 fewer victims and common assault charges also dropping with 18 fewer victims.

There has also been positive news in the number of break-ins around the area after a campaign by the Ayrshire Division to prevent and detect break-ins to people’s homes.

It has resulted in 35 fewer crimes compared to last year. Detection rates are also up by more than eight per cent.

Police Scotland’s latest initiative, Operation Quarterlight, which is aimed at reducing break-ins to cars, is also showing promising signs as it has led to nine fewer such crimes being recorded.

The number of robberies in January of this year also showed a decrease with seven fewer victims with Chief Superintendent, Gillian MacDonald, pledging to ensure that the figures continue to improve.

She said: “Crime in Scotland is now at a 40 year low and Ayrshire Division continues to support this downward trend, with positive performance results across a number of key areas.

“These are significant achievements and are testament to the hard work and commitment of my officers and staff to keeping people safe and to the support of our partners and local communities, which is demonstrated in the range of partnership working which takes place in and with local communities across Ayrshire every day.

“Thank you for the continued support as we continue to develop our services to keep people safe in Ayrshire.”