VIOLENT crime, muggings and vandalism have all soared in the past two years, but Hillingdon remains a safer place to live than neighbouring boroughs.

The Crime and Disorder Audit 2000-2001 compiled by Uxbridge Police and Hillingdon Council revealed that compared to Ealing, Harrow, Hounslow, Brent and Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon has the second lowest crime rate after Harrow.

Yet the report states: 'In the picture that has emerged, it is apparent in a number of areas, crime in Hillingdon has risen along with that in other parts of London and the rest of the country.'

The figures show that theft and handling rose from 9,377 incidents in 1999 to 10,577 in 2001 and violence against the person from 3,048 in 1999 to 4,094 incidents in 2001.

Robbery also rose by 185 incidents from 1999 to 2001 and acts of criminal damage increased from 4,561 in 1999 to 5,083 in 2001.

The report continues: 'There are some encouraging exceptions, including Hillingdon experiencing the greatest reduction in burglary in the whole of London. Likewise, vehicle crime in the borough has shown the sixth biggest drop in the Metropolitan Police area.'

Drug offences have decreased from 516 in 1999 to 415 in 2001. Burglary statistics also showed an improvement after rising from 3,813 offences in 1999 to 4,266 in 2000, they dropped back significantly to 4,085 in 2001.

The sexual offence rate dropped to its lowest since 1999 at 207 and fraud and forgery saw a great improvement with 1,581 offences compared to last year's 2,060.

After stating that the survey would be used by his officers to create a new community safety strategy, Chief Superintendent Mike Askew of Uxbridge Police said: "The strategy has to be ready by April 2002.

"I am pleased the survey shows that burglary is down because it has been and will continue to be our main priority.

"The percentage of robberies has gone up but the amount of this type of crime in our borough is much lower when looked at in direct comparison with others in the capital."

f=helvetica s=6 l=8npalmer@london.newsquest.co.uko