Crime in Bermuda's busiest areas plummeted in the first six months of this year, according to the latest Police statistics.

The new figures for crime in the Central Parishes -- which includes the City of Hamilton, Paget, Pembroke and Devonshire -- show a fall of more than 60 percent in some categories.

Police Assistant Commissioner Harold Moniz said the crime fall was due to the shake-up of the Service introduced by Commissioner Colin Coxall and his deputy Michael Mylod.

Mr. Moniz said: "We have been keeping a very close eye on the Central Division.

"When the reorganisation of the Police Service began, it seemed that this was the area where the most rapid growth in crime had occurred and it was the area we concentrated on when we refined our deployment of personnel.

"Now it is the area where crime is showing the most dramatic decreases and we are delighted by this sign that our anti-crime measures are paying off.'' Police figures show crime against property -- including house, store and office break-ins -- are down by 60 percent compared to last year.

Crimes against people are down 38 percent over 1995 figures, with murder, robbery, assault and handbag-snatching down by 38 percent in total.

There were two murders in the first half of 1995, compared to one this year.

And there were only 70 assaults compared to 128 over the same period last year.

Only one category -- stealing from individuals -- increased, going up ten percent.

Cycle thefts also fell dramatically. There was a 45 percent drop to 522 thefts, compared to more than 900 in January to June, 1995.

The total number of break-ins at homes and commercial premises for the period was 134, compared to 342 the previous year, And there were 162 crimes against the person, against 261 in the first half of 1995.

Overall, all crime in the Central Division fell by 45 percent, with 828 incidents logged, compared to more than 1500 in the same period last year.

Mr. Moniz said: "The figures indicate a very satisfying decline in some areas of crime -- especially those crimes which most concern members of the public.'' But he added that, due to Bermuda's small statistical base, all figures should be treated with caution.

Mr. Moniz said: "Quite significant swings in some areas can be caused simply by getting one criminal off the streets. The reverse is also true.'' CRIME CRM