MORE than 65,000 crimes were recorded in Cheshire over a 12-month period, latest statistics show.

Figures released on Thursday by Cheshire Police show the amount of crime recorded between September 2010 and September 2011.

There were 11,630 violent crimes against people, 16,776 thefts, 5,688 car crimes and 721 sexual offences.

But bosses say that crime is on the way down in the area with 5,283 fewer incidents compared to the previous 12 months.

Burglary has gone down by 17 per cent and violent crime, robberies and car crime have all dropped by 14 per cent.

Cases of criminal damage are down by 11 per cent while sexual offences have reduced by nine per cent.

But drug crime in the county has risen slightly, with a four per cent increase in incidents. There were 3,441 drug offences recorded for the last year.

Assistant Ch Con Ruth Purdie said: “I hope the communities of Cheshire are pleased to see that crime continues to fall across the county but it is important that they know that we will never become complacent and it is vital that people actually feel safe and confident in the police.

“We will continue to ensure that victims are given the help and support they need and we strive towards our ultimate aim of reducing re-offending.

“Although it remains an encouraging picture for Cheshire, there is always work to be done and we welcome feedback from the public in order to understand what is important to them and how we can improve.”

She added that the police force faces ‘challenging times’ ahead.