Violent crime in the Highlands and Islands has fallen dramatically to reflect a successful first year for Police Scotland.
Figures show that since the creation of the new single force in April 2013, there has been a downturn in serious assaults from 180 to 60 – a reduction of 66%.
General crime in the region has also fallen by 5.6% with 426 fewer victims compared to 2012-13.
The figures were revealed when the Scottish Police Authority Board Meeting took place in the Highlands last week.
The Divisional Commander for the Highlands and Islands, Chief Superintendent Julian Innes, is delighted with the positive progress that has been made.
He said: “As we continue now into the second year of Police Scotland, there will be no decrease in our efforts to maintain this progress.
“With ongoing national and local campaigns we will look to target acts of violence through Operation Respect, serious and organised crime, particularly drug dealing, through Operation Ram, acquisitive crime through Operation RAC and travelling criminals and road safety through Operation Route.”
Chief Superintendent Innes also said he was pleased with the partnership approach between police and local councils to support local policing and drive improvement.
Road safety and the focus on reducing serious and fatal road collisions have been identified as a priority from this and in response, the number of road policing officers has been increased with a new trunk road policing unit created in Fort William.
Mr Innes added: “The investment of £4.6million in the new Fort William Police and Ambulance Station will ensure the best possible facilities for both Lochaber and the West Central Highlands.