Overall crime in the area covered by Gwent Police fell by 10%, accroding to new Home Office figures.
The figures, which cover the12 months to March 2011, reveal there were 4,559 fewer victims of crime compared to the same period the year before.
The figures place the force as the fourth best out of the 43 forces in Wales and England for crime reduction.
Deputy Chief Constable Jeff Farrar has welcomed the new figures.
He said: “As a force we are extremely pleased that crime continues to fall in Gwent.
“We have made some excellent progress in tackling and preventing crime, and this has been achieved with 200 fewer staff, and at a time when we had to make savings of £11.4 million to address a reduced budget.”
Notable reductions included:
- Violence against the person – down by 12% or 989 fewer victims
- Vehicle crime – down 20% or 1,237 fewer victims
- Criminal Damage – down 19% or 1,755 fewer victims
- Robbery – down by 12% or 26 fewer victims
- Antisocial Behaviour – down 15% or 9,213 fewer victims
Cilla Davies, chair of the Gwent Police Authority, added: “The 10% reduction in crime is excellent news, especially as the drop comes at a time when the force is facing some significant financial challenges.
“I congratulate the Chief Constable and her team for their hard work and dedication.
“The authority is committed to improving the service provided to residents still further. We will continue to work closely with the Chief Officer team to ensure an efficient and cost effective service is in place which protects and reassure our communities.”