The reduction is being credited to a series of initiatives aimed at tackling this level of criminality.

Operations have turned the spotlight on violent individuals. The division says the result is a massive increase in the detection rate for serious assaults, with 79.5 per cent detected over six weeks.

There was also a 13 per cent fall in the number of serious assaults over a three-month period.

Chief Superintendent Graham Cairns, divisional commander, said: "The latest figures demonstrate we are having a significant impact on violent crime and this is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of officers.

"It is easy to hide behind figures and statistics, but we are bringing violent individuals to justice more often and, more importantly, there are fewer victims in our communities.

"Throughout the last year we carried out a wide range of direct operations which targeted every level of criminality, whether it be violent crime, drug dealing or robberies.

"We are listening to the residents of North Lanarkshire and the feedback is shaping our policing activities more than ever before."

In addition to the progress made regarding violent crime, figures relating to robbery and domestic abuse incidents also show a marked improvement.

Full story in February 4 edition of Motherwell Times.