The latest numbers, released Thursday, suggest an overall decrease of eight per cent in 2007, with declines in robberies, car theft and property crime.

But drug crimes involving marijuana and cocaine were up.

"The police are strategically going after these areas of concern," said Justice Minister Cecil Clarke. "That is part of putting more resources on the ground, so those statistics will go up."

Clarke said the government plans to have 250 extra officers in place by 2010, including the 70 added this year.

The crime rate in Nova Scotia reflects the national trend.

Canada's crime rate fell seven per cent, a decline for the third straight year. The drop is attributed largely to a decrease in counterfeiting and property offences such as break-ins and vehicle thefts.

With files from the Canadian Press

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