Reported robberies in the district have fallen by 37 per cent compared to a 9.6 per cent drop in Herts as a whole, new crime statistics have revealed.

The figures also highlighted a 20.2 per cent drop in burglary, a reduction of more than 10 per cent than the county average, while criminal damage was down 20.8 per cent against the Herts average of 13.3 per cent.

Overall crime fell 9.1 per cent for the whole of the St Albans district, compared to Hertsmere district which saw a 19.5 per cent reduction.

Government figures also showed crime levels in Herts are falling faster than the national average, with 46 recorded crimes per 1,000 residents in the county against 66 nationally over a 12 month period ending June this year.

Police and crime commissioner David Lloyd said: “Once again we are seeing very impressive crime figures for Hertfordshire that is a tribute to our strong communities, our excellent constabulary and very strong safety partnerships across the county.

“I will continue to work with the chief constable to ensure that this relentless focus on crime continues.”