Crime rates fall dramatically in Glasgow when it rains, according to new figures.

Reported crimes dropped by nearly 25% on wet days while violent crime decreases by almost 45%.

There were 33% fewer breaches of the peace on rainy days while vandalism and fireraising were down by 25%.

Housebreaking also dropped by 10%.

Only crimes of indecency, such as rape and indecent assault, are higher when it rains, by about three per cent.

Police have long professed that rain is the best crime deterrent. Now figures from Strathclyde Police, obtained under Freedom of Information, confirms that as fact.

Chief Superintendent David O'Connor, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, said: "A good downpour can sometimes better disperse crowds than the police can. Sometimes inclement weather is a friend of the police.

"I have seen it many times myself. Good weather comes along and people come out and sometimes drink to excess.

"The weather in this country can be unkind, so when you get a string of good weather, it can change people's behaviour."

The figures would seem to confirm a US study last month which suggested violent crime peaked when the temperature was 80˚F, being too hot above that to bother with crime.

An alternate study claimed assault rates peaked at the highest temperatures.