POLICE have admitted last year was a “challenging” one for keeping crime figures down in Barnet.

While overall crime fell in the borough by 0.5 per cent rape rose by 164 per cent, although officers claim the number of attacks over the 12 months actually only rose by 31 per cent.

The rest is put down to reports of rapes which happened over two years ago credited to more women coming forward due to changes in complaints handling.

A new specialist team for sex crimes was established this year and centres away from main police stations for victims to use were also established.

Violent crime also dropped, making Barnet the “safest borough in London” according to the Borough Commander, with 85 less serious violent incidents in the last financial year.

Hate crime also fell, with racist and religious crime and homophobic offences down 30 per cent.

However, burglary rose with 485 more victims and robbery also went up over the 12 month period by 8.2 per cent.

Borough Commander, chief Superintendent Neil Basu, said: "It's been a challenging year with mixed results, but there are many positive things to look at.

“The reductions in violence and the public's perception that anti-social behaviour is less of a problem than ever before are reasons to celebrate the fact that we live and work in one of the safest boroughs in London.

“We are committed to major improvements in our continuing war against burglars, robbers, and especially those who would threaten and injure our youth.”