POLICE are determined to continue the good work in the light of minor drops in recorded vehicle and violent crime in the city.
There appears to be good news in the two of the division's priority areas, with vehicle crime falling by 4% and violent crime by 2%.
'Perhaps not as dramatic but a move in the right direction,' said crime manager DCI Jed Manley, of the quarterly figures.
Although the news for the past three months is positive, this must be seen in the context of annual figures announced to a recent meeting of the Cheshire Police Authority.
Chief constable Peter Fahy told members violent crime had seen a 30% increase from April 2003-April 2004 compared to the previous 12 months.
Officers at the forum also commented on a wide range of policing initiatives which included the piloting of the prolific offenders scheme in Blacon, the introduction of a Victim Care Unit and the successful policing of Chester races which resulted in no assaults.
The meeting gave people an opportunity to raise issues of concern, covering bogus callers targeting the elderly; the success of truancy initiatives; the need to raise awareness about the police base at Chester Town Hall; traffic issues in Dunham Hill; and how the public can assist the police.
Appreciation was expressed about the excellent police work being undertaken in Blacon and about a police officer who responded to a bogus caller incident.
'The reduction in burglary is excellent news, which, coupled with the reduction in anti-social behaviour, is improving the quality of life for the people of Chester,' said member Brendan Doyle, who chaired the meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 18, at 7pm at St Theresa's Parish Centre, Blacon Avenue, Blacon, Chester.
