Kevin Smith, who took up his position in October last year, presented his first annual report at the Central Scotland Police board last Friday.

The meeting also saw the release of the annual figures which show that overall crime across the Central Scotland Police area has fallen by 4.6 per cent.

However, in the Falkirk area, there has been a six per cent rise in the number of violent crimes – an average of around 19 per month compared with 18 a month in the previous year.

In both Stirling and Clackmannan, there was a significant drop in the number of these crimes.

Chief Constable Kevin Smith said: "The crime detection rate is very slightly below what it was last year at 58 percent.

"There are opportunities for improvement but this is a good news story – with a reduction in crime and a high detection rate.

"We have a focus on community policing and engagement, to protect people and protect communities."

Across the force area, there has also been an 11 per cent increase in the number of people caught carrying offensive weapons – while over half of these are knives or sharp instruments other items found included hammers, pieces of wood and sports bats and clubs.

Mr Smith said: "These are generally being carried by young men aged 15 to 21 and it is often attached to under- age drinking and youth disorder.

"When someone is found with a knife, if they are a repeat offender, we go out and speak to them, if possible in front of their parents.

"We talk to them about the impact carrying a knife will have on their future, and potentially on their health."

Entitled 365, the annual report has been presented in an easier to read format with the aim of making it more accessible to the public.

In a bid to save money, only limited copies of the report have been printed, with the report being distributed electronically.

Mr Smith added: "Last year's printing costs were over £9000 – this year, the costs have been just over 10 per cent of that.

"Having the report available online will also give us a better indication of public access as there is a counter on the website to log how often it is accessed."

The annual report is available to view in full at www.centralscotland.police.uk