CRIME including burglary, shoplifting and car theft has dropped across the district throughout the summer compared to last year.

Figures released by police and North Somerset Council show crime across North Somerset dropped by 16 per cent between April-September 2012 compared to the same period last year.

It means a drop of more than 1,000 crimes, including a third fewer burglaries and shoplifting cases as well as a 38 per cent reduction in the number of cars being stolen.

But there was a rise in theft from motor vehicles of 14 per cent and an increase in drug supply, up from 13 cases to 22 year-on-year for the period, while cases of drug possession were down six per cent.

PC Marc Flavell stressed the rise in drug offences was down to an increased focus on targeting drug crime.

He added: “We don’t have drugs crime unless we find it and record it.”

But the number of calls made to police about antisocial behaviour fell by 20 per cent across North Somerset.

Inspector Liz Hughes said: “While it’s encouraging that overall crime is down across North Somerset for this five-month period, with some strong reductions in burglary and violence offences, we are always guarded against drawing too many conclusions from short-term ‘snapshots’.

“For me, the most important statistic to draw from this is that car crime remains a real problem.

“While we have made some good arrests recently of prolific offenders, we really need the public to stop making life so easy for them by removing all their property when they park their cars.”