Crime has fallen in the west of Suffolk over the past year, according to the latest performance figures released by the force.

629 fewer offences were committed throughout the Mid Suffolk, St Edmundsbury, Babergh and Forest Heath districts between April 2007 and April 2008.

Western Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Paul Marshall, is pleased with the achievements of his staff over the past 12 months. “There have been many changes and challenges for the west, including a number of major investigations, the restructure of the force to bring Babergh into the new West Basic Command Unit, and the introduction of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. All have been handled professionally and with dedication and commitment, and the success of the Safer Neighbourhood Teams in particular is reflected in these figures.

“The number of offences committed in many categories is down. There were almost 180 fewer instances of criminal damage, which has been a priority for my officers and staff, and vehicle crime has also fallen by 120 crimes, a drop of 5%. Both of these results mean we have reached the reduction targets set. The Christmas and Summer Staysafe campaigns have also helped to reduce the amount of violence committed in a public place, we have seen a reduction of 125 violent crimes year on year.”

Priorities for the next year have been set – they include promoting road safety through Operation Guardian, reducing the number of dwelling burglaries which rose in 2007/8, and continuing to tackle violence in a public place through Operation Staysafe, which will be returning for the summer campaign next month.

Ch Supt Marshall continues, “Every member of staff here in the west is committed to making the area an even safer place to live and work. The Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be building on the successes of their first year, working with partners to solve issues and concerns identified by the people who matter, the communities themselves. Suffolk’s Major Investigation Team starts work in May, so when any major incidents occur in the west we will have a dedicated team ready to handle the investigation, with local officers able to return to their daily duties even quicker than before.

“Overall I am delighted with what we have achieved throughout 2007/8, and every member of staff here in the west will be striving to improve on that over the coming year.”