MERSEYSIDE crime has fallen for the seventh consecutive year despite cuts to police budgets.

New figures show significant reductions in robbery, burglary, drug offences and possessions of weapons.

The data emerged on a day dubbed "police super Thursday" but was released amid warnings that forces have yet to feel the full effect of the Government's austerity measures and some would be unable to cope with a repeat of the 2011 riots.

Overall Merseyside crime dropped by just under 6% in the 12 months from April 2012, meaning there were 5,721 fewer offences.

But reported rapes have increased as more victims come forward to report historic sex attacks in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal. 

Merseyside recorded a significant reduction in the number of anti-social behaviour incidents in the last 12 months, from 63,305 to 60,737 – a 4.2% reduction.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Pilling said: "After such consistent falls in crime in recent years, it’s reassuring to see a further reduction in Merseyside for the seventh year running.

"This is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our officers and staff, as well as the work we do with our partners and communities.

"In the past seven years, Merseyside’s reductions in crime have amounted to 84,149 fewer victims.

"We remain committed to doing all we can to provide the best possible policing service and continually strive to improve so that we can better serve the people of Merseyside."

Nationally, overall, offences are down by 9% on last year - the lowest level since the Crime Survey for England and Wales began in 1981, the Office for National Statistics said.

Steve White,  vice-chairman of the Police Federation, claimed some officers are now forced to work 14 days straight because numbers are stretched.

Home Office data showed the number of police officers in England and Wales has fallen for the fourth consecutive year - by 3.4% or 4,516 - taking the total to its lowest level since 2002.

Prime Minister David Cameron hailed the crime figures as "good news" and thanked officers for their efforts at a "difficult time".

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper echoed his praise of police but warned "worrying evidence" suggested the service was being hollowed out.

She called for more action to tackle cybercrime in the wake of increases in fraud and highlighted the "significant" decline in sexual cases referred to prosecutors despite an increase in recorded offences.