The figures covering the period from 1 April to 12 June show crimes for the whole of the Whitby district which covers Staithes, Castleton and Whitby through to Ravenscar.

In total there were 208 crimes for the period compared to 353 in 2007, showing a fall of 59%.

From 1 April to 12 June 2008 there have been 18 auto crime offences, which include thefts from and of cars, compared to 42 for the same period last year.

Burglary has also fallen with four offences this year compared to 14 for the same period last year.

In the category of burglary other, which includes theft from sheds and industrial premises, there have been just eight this year compared to 28 last year.

And criminal damage has also fallen with 48 this year compared to a high 78 last year.

In the category of other crimes which includes drugs offences, these are slightly on the increase with 22 this year compared to 21 last year for the period.

Violence, which includes anything from murder right through to common assault and swearing, saw 56 crimes this year compared to 73 last year.

At a recent community area policing meeting, Whitby Insp Dave Barf said he was pleased with the crime figures.

He said they have been very pro-active towards drugs, issuing search warrants and making arrests and have also been busy in relation to children drinking on the street and have been seizing alcohol from them as recently reported in the Whitby Gazette.

He added police have had positive feedback from members of the public about the visibility of police officers in the Whitby area.

He said: "I'm very pleased with the crime figures on the year to date.

"We're not going to sit on our laurels and we will continue to pro-actively address any emerging trends."

Insp Barf said he has had good feedback from people in relation to seeing bobbies on the beat.

"People who live in town have said they see more of the police and the PCSOs (police community support officers).

"They have become an important part of the community in the town and the rural area."

Coun Dorothy Clegg said she thinks the police do take time to talk to her.

But one member of the audience, Janet Ward of Whitby Hospitality Association, said one crime she thinks is on the increase is drinking in Pannett Park which is becoming more widespread.

"I live straight opposite Pannett Park. Drinking is becoming very widespread," she said. "Thus far they are not causing much trouble but I can see it coming."

Insp Barf told her the police have recently held seminars with licensees in town around drug abuse and how to deal with it and trying to avoid it becoming a problem in the first place.

He said the issue is often raised when people report a problem and urged anyone with information to call North Yorkshire Police on (0845) 6060247.