CRIME figures in Gravesham have dropped for the fourth consecutive month and more incidents are being detected.

Figures for July show a 14 per cent reduction in crime for the borough compared with the same month last year.

The detection rate has climbed eight per cent from the 12 months to July this year.

An increase in violent crime incidents has been attributed, in part, to an increase in the reporting of domestic violence.

The number of vehicle crimes detected has more than tripled.

North Kent police acting Superintendent Martin Cunningham said: "North Kent police is the highest performing area in the county in regard to reductions in crime and increases in the number of offences which result in offenders being brought to justice."