Northern Constabulary reports crime rate drop
Crime in the Highlands and Islands fell by 4% last year, equating to 568 fewer victims, Northern Constabulary said.
The force said that the detection rate for the first five main classes of crime was 62.8% - with more than 91% of serious crimes solved.
Police in the Highlands also said that overall detection rates remained high at just over 84% for all classes of crime.
In addition, figures showed vandalism had fallen by 15%.
But crimes of indecency showed a rise of 9.8% over a three year average.
The force said that this was largely due to a number of historical sex abuse cases with multiple victims being reported and detected during this period.
Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary, George Graham, said: "The commendable results across the force area are down to the continued dedication and commitment of our officers and staff and the support of our communities and partners."
He added: "These results show that excellent police work has continued to drive crime down and maintain the highest detection rates in the UK against a backdrop of an extremely challenging and uncertain financial climate.
"This is clearly one of the highest performing forces in the UK and my aim is to keep it that way."
North Division saw a 8.6% decrease in overall crime rates with an increase in detection rates from 62.8% to 67.9%
East Division saw a slight decrease (0.4%) in crime across the division, with detection rates at more than 60%.
Central Division saw a 5.8% decrease in crime with overall detection rates at nearly 62%.