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Police in Waikiki, Hawaii, have revealed that as the number of foreign visitors increases, the number of crimes against them is falling.

Thefts and robberies reported by tourists in Waikiki are expected to be a huge 40% lower than they were in 2002.

The prediction comes on the back of early statistics for 2006 which show all crimes against tourists have fallen.

For the first eight months of the year, the number of car break-ins and burglaries stood at 851, with Honolulu Police expecting that number to rise to 1,150 by the end of the year.

That signals an improvement of 827 compared to 2002 and is in line with falling crime figures for the state.

A number of factors are thought to have influenced crime rates in the state, with additional police officers on the streets and an improved job market all thought to have had an effect.

'The improved economy has made a huge difference," said Rick Egged, president of the Waikiki Improvement Association.

'Basically anybody in Hawaii who wants a job can get one. This affects the person who might be a casual thief.'

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