Police celebrate 10% cut in rural crimes

Apr 4 2008 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

A RURAL alliance between countryside communities and the police has been hailed as a success as crime figures have fallen.

Western Rural Police, which covers Malpas, Huxley, Tattenhall, Frodsham, Helsby, Kingsley, Mickle Trafford, Barrow, Kelsall and Tarporley, recorded 2,951 crimes between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008, more than 300 under target.

Inspector Phil Hodgson said: “Overall we were 333 crimes below target which is more than a month’s crime. It is effectively 10% under.

“It’s been a partnership effort. I think that higher visibility of police officers, PCSOs and community wardens, together with home watch, has been significant in that reduction. They are challenging targets so I’m really pleased.”

All the figures show a reduction compared to the previous year’s and throughout the whole of the Western Rural area every target was beaten.

“To achieve the government target is fantastic and overall crime is down in every single category. Criminal damage is one of the figures I’m particularly pleased about because we were over on it last year. It’s particularly pleasing because it’s very difficult to target it.

“The reduction in vehicle crime is also very pleasing, we were targeted by travelling criminals and we have made some significant arrests. Over the last three years people have seen a crime reduction and I hope it continues.”

Earlier this week it was announced that burglaries in the Western Area have dropped by more than 40% in just one month. Figures have shown that the number of burglaries from homes fell from 116 in January to 69 in February.

Chief Superintendent Tim Jackson, who is in charge of the Western Area, said: “This dramatic drop in crime is a testament to the work being done by officers across the area.

“Our investigation teams are producing excellent results in terms of convictions, whilst our neighbourhood officers are having a real effect on crime reduction and on improving community intelligence and cohesion.”