Fear of crime is reducing in Kent as offences plummet and arrests soar. And a change in tactics which has put more officers on the streets is thought to be responsible.

Figures just released by the Home Office show that crime in the county has plunged by 17 per cent.

At the same time statistics show that people's fear of violence and car crime has decreased and confidence in Kent Police has increased.

One of the county's top police officers believes the public feel safer because of the neighbourhood policing teams now operating in every area of Kent.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Harris said: "These results show that the work being carried out by neighbourhood policing teams and Kent Police staff across the board is having a real impact on a day to day basis.

“There are neighbourhood policing teams for every area, who are getting on the ground and patrolling more and as a result people feel safer. People are not writing to us so much with their concerns.”

Mr Harris said the neighbourhood teams work closely with the public to resolve local concerns, prevent crime, improve security and even organise clean-up campaigns or activities for young people.

The Home Office statistics compare the last quarter of 2007 with 2006. Violent crime was down 14.5 per cent, criminal damage by 18.4 per cent, burglary and vehicle crime by more than 25 per cent.

The Kent force's detection rate was up by just over three per cent to 28.8 per cent.

Drug related crimes went up by 18 per cent.

There were increases in the number of offences recorded for trafficking controlled drugs and warnings issued about cannabis.

Mr Harris said a rise of 135 drug offences was a result of the public reporting more offences which allowed police to act.

He added: “The figures overall are a positive story. People can be pleased that Kent Police is engaging with communities and making progress in making Kent a better place to be.”