Latest statistics show the number of crimes involving drugs rose by 42.2 per cent between October 2008 and September 2009, when compared to the previous year.

The actual number of crimes rocketed from 682 to 970.

But Chief Supt Richard Debicki, divisional commander for Blackpool and Fylde, insisted the figures showed police officers were tightening their grip on drug criminals.

He said: "We're by no means complacent because we still have an issue with them, like every other town in the country, but we have taken out some significant drugs players in the last 12 months, and will continue to do so.

"The amount of damage drugs can cause in a community can be huge and it's an issue we give priority to."

The latest figures were revealed as police released the annual figures to the Home OfFice.

For Western Division, statistics showed crime was down by 3.7 per cent overall, a reduction of 829 crimes from 22,435 to 21,606.

There were 110 fewer victims of violence against the person after the number of attacks fell by 1.9 per cent from 5,899 to 5,789.

Robbery also fell by 10 per cent from 201 crimes to 181, while criminal damage incidents saw a drop of 603 or 10.8 per cent from 5,573 to 4,970.

Burglary increased by 1.5 per cent or 13 crimes, from 888 to 901, while sex offences went up by 34 offences from 233 to 267 or 14.6 per cent.

Chief Supt Debicki said the number of reported incidents of those crimes did not correlate directly with the rise in drug offences.

He said crime figures come from reports from victims, while drug statistics come from detection by officers.

He added: "We're really pleased with the reductions and the impact on crimes like robbery could come from the work going on around drugs issues as there is a direct link with addicts stealing to fund their habits.

"We believe the reason sexual offences have increased is due to campaigns and initiatives such as rape awareness week, which is encouraging more victims to report crime.

"We have a specialist team of trained officers in Blackpool and the Fylde who will continue to support victims and endeavour to bring offenders to justice."