CRIME in West Yorkshire has fallen by almost a quarter.
Figures for the first half of this year show major reductions in the priority crimes of house burglaries, robberies and vehicle crime.
It means there are more than 18,300 less crime victims than in the first half of 2003.
There were 6,600 fewer house burglary victims - a 40% drop. Robbery has almost halved - down from 2,163 to 1,133 crimes.
Vehicle crime has also been dramatically cut.
There were still just over 12,000 vehicle thefts, but this was down from more than 20,000 in 2003.
Thefts from vehicles are down by almost a third.
West Yorkshire Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn said: "I put this down to the hard work and determination of everyone in the force combined with the fact we now have more resources to draw on.
"At the same time detection rates have also risen.
"West Yorkshire officers also spend more time than the national average on front-line policing."
West Yorkshire Police Authority Chairman Clr Mark Burns-Williamson added: "We are reaping the rewards of the investment we have made.
"People ask where their money goes and whether it really makes a difference.
"Well, here's the proof. The extra officers financed through increased funding are having a real impact on crime figures."
