CRIME has fallen in Kent by more than 10 per cent, the latest Home Office figures show.

Statistics released on Thursday (July 15) show the number of crimes reported in the county between April last year and this March is down by 14,322, which is 11.8 per cent, from the previous year. This includes knife crime falling by 30.6 per cent, with 170 fewer crimes, and gun crime dropping by 31.2 per cent, with 29 less offences reported.

However, the number of drugs offences reported rose by 5.3 per cent, with 211 more crimes recorded.

Kent police Assistant Chief Constable Paul Brandon said: "As a force, we are extremely pleased the past 12 months has seen a continuing overall reduction in crime.”