TOUGHER laws that put community safety "above all" when considering bail applications, in combination with diligent police work, have been credited for a reduced rate in crime in Mildura compared to the state average.

While the number of criminal incidents in Mildura rose 5.4 per cent in the 12 months to March 31 this year, the number of criminal incidents across the state increased by 20.1 per cent.