BEXLEY has kept its reputation as one of the safest boroughs in London, with another fall in recorded crime.

Borough commander Chief Superintendent Tony Dawson said around half of the reductions in crimes such as assault and criminal damage are down to measures taken by police, in partnership with Bexley Council.

These include the crackdown on licensing and underage drinking, the introduction of dispersal zones and alcohol-free zones and the work of street pastors.

Criminal damage was down from 3,997 in 2006/07 compared with 3,406 in 2007/8.

Assaults were also down from 2,889 to 2,422.

Rape was down from 35 cases in 2006/07 to 21 last year, which Mr Dawson attributed to the success of Bexley's Sapphire team, which boasts a 90-per-cent detection rate.

He said: "We are using murder inquiry techniques and Bexley is second to none in investigation and support for victims."

Domestic violence figures have been another success, with incidents down from 1,193 to 1,036, and Bexleyheath's specialist unit has the highest detection rate in the Met.

But Mr Dawson urged caution with regard to the drop in racist crime, where incidents fell from 353 to 227.

He said: "I am not celebrating because I am not convinced all the racist incidents are being reported."

Mr Dawson urged people to come forward if they suffered racial abuse, using third parties to report the incident if necessary.

But the end of year crime figures did not produce all good news.

Domestic burglaries were up from 1,105 to 1,244, despite a dedicated burglary team.

Mr Dawson said he had boosted numbers on the team with experienced officers and more cars.

He added: "We have now stabilised the situation and we are doing what we can to deter prolific offenders."

Thefts from cars is also up, from 1,191 to 1,572, although Mr Dawson claimed it was still well below the figures for other, similar boroughs.

Mr Dawson pledged burglary and assault rates will come down this year.

He said: "Crimes of the most concern to the public are down by a fifth and we are planning to be even more successful next year."