CRIME levels fell by a fifth in Ellesmere Port and Neston in the last quarter of 2009, compared with the same period last year.

The latest figures, available from the Cheshire Constabulary’s online crime mapping website, show a 20.1% decrease in the number of crimes reported, from an average of 584.7 to 467.3.

Much of the significant drop can be attributed to the drastic decrease in vehicle crime, which saw crimes down from an average of 74.7 incidents to 42.3 over the three months, a 43.3% fall.

The fall beats the trend set throughout West Cheshire, where crime fell by 13.1% during that period.

Chief Inspector Andy Southcott, crime manager for the Cheshire Constabulary’s Western Area, said the significant reduction for the area was down to continued partnership work with West Cheshire communities.

He said: “It has been a good reduction across the area, a reflection on the work we are doing in partnership with the public that has manifested itself.”

The new year has also brought a boost to the force thanks to the cold weather.

“The weather has played a factor recently, the snow has allowed us to track individuals more easily.

“But we’re not complacent, we hope to continue the downward trend.