Bus and rail network crime has fallen significantly over the past year in Newham, according to latest Transport for London (TfL) figures.

There were more than 100 fewer bus-related serious offences from April to December, with the number falling to 787 from 901 year-on-year.

The number of recorded criminal damage incidents also fell substantially by 40 per cent to 44 from 75, while thefts dropped 17 per cent to 385 from 461 and robberies were down 14 per cent to 89 from 104.

But there were three more sexual offences on buses, which rose to 18 from 15, and drug crimes were up by almost a third from 26 to 34.

The overall picture was similarly encouraging on the Tube, train and overground with the number of serious offences down almost 20 per cent from 777 to 637 during the 2010 calendar year.

Stratford, which accounts for almost half of rail-related crime in Newham, saw a drop of 23 per cent from 324 to 247 serious offences.

West Ham is the second worst affected area on the Tube and train network, but it also recorded a decline of more than 20 per cent from 85 to 66 incidents.

Canning Town (main line), Silvertown and City Airport, and Custom House (main line) stations were the safest places to travel with no offences recorded in either of the past two years.

The Newham figures reflected a declining trend across the capital, where transport crime fell by four per cent over the year.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said the number of offences were at their lowest level since 2004.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said “inquisitive” patrols at stations had played a part in combating crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Pacey said: “We do not tolerate antisocial behaviour or any other behaviour that makes people feel unsafe while they travel.

“Some 12,000 CCTV cameras across the Tube network are vital in helping us identify offenders and solve crime.”

Labour’s Val Shawcross, chairman of the London Assembly transport committee, has raised concerns the mayor’s plans to cut 1,000 police officers could reverse the progress seen during the past year.