The home secretary has welcomed the latest British Crime Survey which showed the largest drop in crime victimisation rates since research began in 1981.

The falling crime rate has prompted hopes that crime is falling for the first time in a century.

"There are no quick wins on crime, it is long term investment," said Blunkett. "Rates of crime are still too high and over the coming years we will continue to target burglary, vehicle crime and all forms of violent crime. We need to do all we can to tackle anti-social and thuggish behaviour and make people feel safer in the communities where they live."