PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde today called for increased support from the community to assist police in the drive to reduce crime and make Northern Ireland safer.

Sir Hugh made the appeal in his annual report for 2004-05 which was published today and, for the first time, will be delivered to every household in Northern Ireland.

The 12-page colour document focuses on how the Police Service has performed over the past year, addressing community concerns about crime and providing a snapshot of the PSNI’s work.

The Chief Constable said: "Police officers working together with the community have achieved significant reductions in crime. Crime has fallen by 7.7% this year with the result that there were 9,829 fewer crimes.

"These figures demonstrate that rising crime rates are not inevitable. But there is a need to be realistic. The police alone cannot cut crime. If crime rates are to continue to fall, community support is crucial.

"The public demands an exceptionally high standard of service from its police service – and rightly so, but the public also has a responsibility to work with and assist police in preventing and solving crime."

For the first time, the report will be delivered to almost 700,000 households in Northern Ireland over the coming days. This is the latest stage in a process of engagement by police to engage directly with local communities about the issues which concern them, Sir Hugh added.

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