VIOLENT crime in Chester city centre has plummeted during the last year with the number of assaults dropping by nearly a quarter.
According to the annual results of the British Crime Survey, which were released yesterday (Wednesday), crime has reduced by 7% across Cheshire West and Chester during 2011/12.
The biggest success has been the 21% decrease in the number of city centre assaults reported to police compared with the previous year.
Figures also revealed that anti-social behaviour has fallen by 11% across the borough.
Cheshire Constabulary Western area commander, chief superintendent Phil Jones said: “We are pleased to once again see a reduction in recorded crime in our area.
“What is particularly encouraging is the way in which we have driven down the levels of violent crime in the city centre which has historically seen a higher level of alcohol related violence due to the cities busy night-time economy.
“One of the key factors in our success is the multi-agency work alongside our partner agencies and the anti-social behaviour (ASB) team.
“In combining resources in this way CCTV operators can identify volatile situations, allowing officers to intervene before an incident escalates into violence.”
Chester has recently become an ArcAngel protected city, meaning many pubs, bars and clubs work alongside the police and council to encourage people to drink responsibly.
The annual results also show a 6% decrease in house burglaries.
Chief superintendent Jones said: “In the last year we have met with success in prosecuting over 50 burglars across our area.
“Reducing acquisitive crime remains one of our main priorities and although the figures are encouraging, we are not complacent and will continue to build on our success to protect the residents, businesses and visitors of West Cheshire.”
Councillor Lynn Riley added: “We have worked closely with Cheshire Police since the inception of this authority.
“These figures bear this out and prove what a difference initiatives like the ASB teams and wider partnership schemes can make not just to the stats but to the everyday lives of our residents.
“The real impacts go beyond the numbers in that fewer people end up being the victims of crime.”
