Offences such as burglary, theft, fraud, criminal damage and vehicle theft have "dropped through the floor" according to the Police. What Police call 'crimes against property' plummeted 30 percent over the course of April, May and June, compared to the same period in 2009.

That's 617 crimes compared to 884.

"This category has actually dropped through the floor," reported Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva yesterday. "The number of crimes has fallen from 720 to 617 since the last quarter.

"It is in fact the lowest record for more than five years. It falls below the normal five year average."

He explained: "The exceptionally low number can be attributed, although anecdotally, to a combination of targeting prolific offenders, increased crime prevention awareness amongst the public and an increased Police presence on the streets."