The number of recorded crimes in Epsom and Ewell fell sharply last year while the number of arrests soared by more than a third.

The number of victims of crime fell by just over 300, or 8.7 per cent according to the latest police figures.

At the same time the number of people arrested rose from 411 to 560.

There were about 100 fewer victims of vehicle crime, robberies fell by a quarter and there were 90 fewer cases of criminal damage in the year to April.

Epsom and Ewell Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Knight said: "I am pleased with the work police and partner agencies have done this year and overall crime is less than the previous year."

Despite a rise in antisocial behaviour in the early part of the year, the number of incidents has fallen consistently since June and the downward trend continues.

There was, however, 11 more burglaries of homes compared to the previous year. Insp Knight said: "Whilst that’s less than one a month more than the previous year, it’s still too many and this is a big priority for us moving forward.

"I also want to do more to ensure our town centres feel safe places to be.

"We have seen a slight rise in town centre based disorder and this again will be a priority for us, albeit the numbers are very small with a rise of just 20 offences over the whole year."

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He added: "The policing budget is being challenged, but this never stops your local officers doing everything in our power to keep you safe and feeling safe in your borough."

Across Surrey, Police and Crime Commissioner Kevin Hurley said his policing plan, which stresses zero-tolerance and getting more police officers on the streets, has reaped rewards.

Mr Hurley said: "My policing plan for the past year has resulted in an 8 per cent reduction in reported crime, an 8 per cent increase in arrests and a 100 per cent increase in seizures of criminals’ ill-gotten gains.

"Moreover Surrey is the only force in the country to have increased police numbers against a background of cuts. All this against prolonged periods of extensive flooding and continual criticism from Government and many other quarters.

"The chief constable and her team have done a bloody good job and I thank them for it."