POLICE chiefs have praised officers after crime fell in west Suffolk - with an offence only committed in west Suffolk every 26 minutes.Crime levels have plunged from 20,536 incidents in 2006/2007 to 19,907 in 2007/2008, according to new figures.

POLICE chiefs have praised officers after crime fell in west Suffolk - with an offence only committed in west Suffolk every 26 minutes.

Crime levels have plunged from 20,536 incidents in 2006/2007 to 19,907 in 2007/2008, according to new figures.

Chief Superintendent Paul Marshall, commander for the western area, said “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.”

He said there were almost 180 fewer cases of criminal damage, vehicle crime has fallen by 120 offences, and there have been 125 fewer violent crimes.

In the coming year the western area team will target rogue motorists, those who cause an affray and domestic burglaries.

Ch Supt Marshall said: “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.”