CRIME figures in South Ayrshire have dropped significantly for the 2016/2017 period.

The rate over the past 12 months has dropped by 17.4 per cent a total of 9,505 offences including assaults and domestic violence.

There were 6.2 per cent less common assaults, 18.6 per cent less dishonesty and 12.7 per cent fewer incidents of domestic abuse.

Overall violent crime was down by 7.2 per cent and there were 10.3 per cent less road traffic casualties compared with last year.

The number of people reported missing was down by 37.7 per cent as were the number of house break-ins recorded dropped by 39.8 per cent.

Incidents recorded had increased slightly by 2.3 per cent and disorder complaints were up by 2.7 per cent. Sexual crime had neither increased or decreased with 174 acts committed.

Overall in Ayrshire, there were 13.9 percent fewer crimes recorded with a combined total of 33,338 crimes reported in North, South and East Ayrshire.

Chief inspector Gary I’Anson said: “The picture across South Ayrshire remains a largely positive one and shows a reduction in overall crime across our communities.

"I am particularly encouraged to see a fall in areas such as dishonesty and violent crime, which members of the public have highlighted as areas of concern for them.

"We will continue to target all areas of criminality to ensure that people can live, work and visit South Ayrshire safely.

"This reduction in overall crime could not have been achieved without the support we receive from partner agencies such as those involved in the South Ayrshire Safer Communities’ Partnership, as well as the continued support we receive from local residents.

“I would urge communities to continue to have your say and let us know of concerns you may have within your local area.

"Our policing plans and priorities are shaped by your views, so please do not hesitate to contact your local police station via 101 or speak to officers out on patrol."