quarterly statistics issued yesterday.

The number of reported crimes for the second quarter of the year was 589 -- down 27.4 percent from the same period last year. Compared to 1997, it was 20.1 percent down.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Smith welcomed the trend, but warned that the release of a few hardened criminals committing multiple offences could see the figures shoot up again.

The figures were down compared to the last quarter and as part of a five-year trend.

He said: "I am very pleased to report that the second quarter crime statistics continue to reflect the overall downward trend in reported crime.'' There were a number of minor increases. The number of thefts from bikes went up slightly to 33.7 per 1,000 vehicles.

The number of accidents also rose slightly to 7.3 per day, which was attributed to the extra tourists on the road.

Housebreakings and burglaries -- running at 13.2 per 1,000 homes -- were down.

Total crimes of violence dropped from 113 in the same quarter last year to 70 this quarter, thefts from 81 to 79, breaking offences from 257 to 183 and removals from vehicles from 360 to 257.

Mr. Smith said: "I am generally encouraged by the downward trend in reported crime year by year, but I am very mindful that reported crime can be skewed very rapidly by prolific offenders who commit a disproportionate number of crimes over a short period.'' He said the low crime figures might be due to repeat offenders being incarcerated.

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