CRIME in Croydon fell 9.5 per cent in the last year, according to new statistics.
Latest figures show there were 3,000 fewer offences reported in the 2013/14 financial year than the previous 12 months.
That includes a 26 per cent reduction in robbery and a 30 per cent drop in gun crime.
However, there were significant increases in rape (up 32 per cent) and domestic violence, which is up 15 per cent.
There was little change in violent crime which police have said will be a priority during the coming year.
Borough commander David Musker welcomed the overall drop in crime but admitted there is work to be done in some areas.
He said: "The fact that overall crime is down is clearly good news for everyone in Croydon.
"I'm particularly pleased with the reductions that we've seen in burglary and robbery, and the challenge now will be to maintain and build upon this success.
"My officers have worked extremely hard and these results are the culmination of their efforts over the past year.
"I'm extremely proud of the work they do to keep people safe in Croydon on a daily basis."
Chief Superintendent Musker acknowledged the rise in domestic violence, an increasing problem he described last year as "hugely worrying".
Following a 13.4 per cent rise in 2012/13, Chief Supt Musker said the issue would get his "full attention".
However, those efforts have not led to a fall in offences, with 2,187 reports in 2013/14 compared to 2,452 the year before.
Chief Supt Musker said the rise was, in part, a result of domestic abuse being expanded to include a greater range of behaviour.
He added: "It's difficult to know the exact reasons for the increase, but I do believe that victims of domestic abuse have more confidence about reporting it to the police.
"But, we still have a way to go, and we're working hard with partner agencies to provide the right support for those suffering from domestic abuse in Croydon."
Chief Supt Musker said rape - up from 178 offences to 236 - was "another vastly under-reported crime".
He added: "The increase here in Croydon is on a similar scale to what we've seen across London and this suggests that more victims are having the confidence to come and report these serious crimes to us, which can only be a good thing."
Police response times to the most urgent emergencies were above target in the last financial year, with 94 per cent within the 15-minute target.
