New police figures for Grampian show a sharp rise in racist incidents, but a large drop in housebreaking and violent crime.

They say it's simple mathematics. More on bobbies on beat has led to less crime. Almost one hundred more bobbies pounding the beat in the north east have helped see crime figures plummet, according to Grampian Police Board.

The statistics put before the board today show there's been:

• A twenty-four point five percent reduction in car thefts.
• A sixteen percent drop in house-breaking.
• A six percent reduction in serious violent crime.

But while most of us in the region can now sleep easier in our beds at night, it's a different story for the ethnic minority communities.

The statistics reveal a forty-five percent surge in racist crimes. A figure which has worried equal rights campaigners. However, Grampian Police say, while concerning, the figures could actually hide a positive development.

But after all the number crunching is finished, campaigners say they just want the figures to add up to a safer community for Grampian's ethnic communities to live and work in.