IT may seem ridiculous, but three years ago York was ranked as one of the 40 highest crime areas in the country.

We actually came in at number 35 - mainly because of the high levels of bicycle thefts and criminal damage.

Now for the good news. Since 2005, crime in the city has been driven down by a startling 36.7 per cent - more than a third.

Highlights include a massive 58.1 per cent reduction in burglary, a 57 per cent drop in assaults, and a 32 per cent fall in vehicle thefts.

The key, says the Safer York Partnership, has been closer co-operation between the police and other agencies such as the city council. Local neighbourhood policing teams have also made a difference.

Whatever the figures show, it is how safe the city's people feel that really matters, of course.

Only you know that.

Nevertheless, the police and other agencies involved in the fight against crime are to be congratulated on what seems a substantial achievement.