CRIME has fallen in Hampshire with house burglaries down to an all-time low, government figures show.

The figures released by the Office for National Statistics show a 12 per cent drop in total crime, from 133,391 in the year ending September 2011, to 117,259 in the year ending September 2012.

House burglary figures have dropped by 22 per cent, down to 4,214 from 5,400.

But drug offences have seen an increase of seven per cent, which Hampshire Constabulary say is down to their high-profile campaign Operation Fortress against drug-related violence in Southampton.

Simon Hayes, police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, said: “I would like to praise the work of all Hampshire Constabulary officers and staff in reducing crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“I continue to be impressed by the dedication shown by everyone in the force to make our communities safer.”

The overall figure makes Hampshire Constabulary the tenth best performing force in the country for reducing crime.

Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “My aim since joining the constabulary in 2008 has always been to protect the people we serve from those who would cause them harm by making our two counties a hostile environment for criminals. I am leaving content in the knowledge that this legacy is continuing.

“The 12 per cent reduction in total crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is testament to the tireless dedication, commitment, hard work and ‘one team’ approach of officers and staff.”