VIOLENT crime was almost halved in Inverclyde last year - but sexual offences are on the rise.

Figures released by the Scottish Executive show that murders and assaults dropped from 720 in 2001 to just 397 in 2002.

But indecency offences, including rape, attempted rape, indecent assault and lewd behaviour, shot up from 74 to 106.

Superintendent Iain Gordon, of Greenock police, said that he was pleased their efforts to reduce violent crime were paying off.

And he promised that officers will continue to do everything they can to keep all types of offences down.

He said: 'Violent crime is a concern in any area and Inverclyde is no different.

'We are targeting our resources towards reducing the unacceptable levels of violence we have witnessed in the past.

'We are determined in our resolve to try to make Inverclyde a safer place for people living and working in the area.' He added it was important to get the message out that people can help in the fight against crime.

'Everyone has a part to play, and I would urge parents in particular to make sure they know what their children are doing when they go out at night and do everything they can to discourage the culture of knife and weapon carrying.' Overall, the crime rate in Inverclyde remained stable with the total number of crimes recorded dropping slightly from 7,684 to 7,670. Just under 50 per cent of crimes in Inverclyde were cleared up by police.