CRIME is down by 5% in the eastern area of Suffolk, latest figures reveal.The area also saw detection rates increase to 34.7% at the end of last month, which means one third of all offences are resulting in a charge.

By Danielle Nuttall

CRIME is down by 5% in the eastern area of Suffolk, latest figures reveal.

The area also saw detection rates increase to 34.7% at the end of last month, which means one third of all offences are resulting in a charge.

Suffolk police said the figures were testament to the hard work of staff and officers and partner agencies, including the Probation Service and crime and disorder partnerships.

Chief Superintendent Martin Jelley, eastern area commander, said: “The position we find ourselves in is not down to one single strategy but a very firm focus on the active targeting of persistent criminals who commit the vast majority of crime has impacted both through regular policing activity and the huge success of partnership initiatives such as the prolific and priority offenders scene.

“Offenders on the scheme have been sentenced to a total of over 25 years in prison in the past year, but 20 people have also been discharged from the scheme and the re-offending rate for these has been very low. This in itself is a very positive outcome.

“The detainee processing unit is now well-established and has dealt with over 960 prisoners and over 1,100 offences since it was set up in June 2006. This has freed-up frontline officers to be more pro-active and to carry out more patrols on the streets.

“With the roll-out of Safer Neighbourhood Teams across the whole of the eastern area from March 19, each community will have a dedicated policing team made up of officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), specials and volunteers, who will work closely with partner agencies and who will be very visible within those communities.”

Mr Jelley started his new role in April last year and pledged to focus on reducing crime, increasing detections and providing an improved service to the public.

“We all know Suffolk and the eastern area is generally a very safe place in which to live but we have listened to our communities and know they seek a greater local visible presence which, we hope, in the long term, will make them feel safe,” he said.

danielle.nuttall@eadt.co.uk