VEHICLE crime dropped by more than half in Torbay according to latest police figures.

In November only 57 vehicle crimes were reported, compared to 120 for November 2008.

The latest figures were released as part of Crimelog which sees the Herald Express team up with Safer Communities Torbay to publish monthly ward-by-ward crime statistics so the public can see exactly how many crimes have been committed on their doorstep.

Total crime for November saw an overall decrease of 266 reports against the same period for 2008.

Safer Communities says this is down to the multi-agency approach to tackling issues which matter to the community.

The Not in my Neighbourhood week held in November saw police give out advice on a range of subjects, including car crime and burglary.

They advised residents how they could avoid being a victim of crime when they went out in The Willows and on residential streets in Torbay.

And this month saw not only the huge decrease in vehicle crime but also a notable decrease in domestic burglary across the area, falling from 56 reports for 2008 to only 36 for the same period last year.

The November anti-social behaviour log also saw a decrease of 167 incidents across the wards against the same period in 2008, which Safer Communities believe means their efforts in reducing this type of disorder over the Halloween and bonfire night festivities is paying off.

Partnership Inspector Glen Mayhew said: "The figures continue to decrease confirming the recent British Crime Survey findings 'that we live in one of the safest places in the UK'. Not resting on our laurels, the police and our partner agencies under the Safer Communities Torbay umbrella are working together to ensure the individuals responsible for the crimes are dealt with appropriately, be this sanction and/or support."

Police, council and fire departments together with other representatives under the Safer Communities Torbay umbrella aligned delivery of the Safety Plan for the November bonfire night period.

A Safer Communities spokesman said: "Police increased patrols in areas where organised events were taking place and also in areas where no organised events were planned to discourage people from partaking in their own, illegal 'celebrations'.

"The fire department committed a substantial amount of resource into the run-up to the events, especially bonfire celebrations, in providing residents and organisations across the Bay with adequate safety information and advice.

"Schools and community groups received fire safety education and at larger organised events there was a department presence throughout to ensure the event went off with the right kind of bang."