RAILWAY crime has fallen in the North-west according to the latest figures released by the British Transport Police.

In its annual report, the force has issued statistics which show a downturn in crime at stations across the region.

Incidents of serious crime fell from 127 to 110 with a detection rate of 46.4pc.

Sexual offences dropped from 107 to 92 with a detection rate of 48.9pc.

And robberies saw a downturn from 159 to 153 although police chiefs admitted the number of thieves caught was poor -- just 23pc.

The statistics are being seen as a triumph for the British Transport Police.

But according to Chief Inspector Steve White, there are still challenges ahead as the nature of crimes committed become more sinister.

He said: "Two weeks ago there was a stabbing at Hall 'i 'th Wood station and at a station in Manchester a gun was pulled on a passenger. Some of the serious assaults are getting more dangerous."

Bolton station, he added, had a problem with drugs which often led to crime.

To combat this, steps have been taken by transport companies to make stations safer. Blackrod commuters have been heartened by the news that their station is set to be revamped -- with better lighting aiding safety.

Chief Insp White said: "When you think of the hundreds of thousands of passengers travelling in the North-west each week and the number of trains that leave stations every day, the railways are relatively safe.

"But we will never be complacent and will try and get the number of crimes down even more."

The annual report said the British Transport Police performed well in the year from April 1999 to March 2000 considering it had a large increase in demand on its resources.

The force has worked with Railtrack and the train operators on initiatives to combat trespass and vandalism, the report said.

Chief Insp White added: "Hot spots tend to be at weekends when people have had a bit too drink."