A CRIME is committed every half an hour in west Suffolk, new police figures show.Suffolk police has praised its western area team after it emerged crime levels had fallen from 20,536 incidents in 2006/2007 to 19,907 in 2007/2008, a drop of 629.

Laurence Cawley

A CRIME is committed every half an hour in west Suffolk, new police figures show.

Suffolk police has praised its western area team after it emerged crime levels had fallen from 20,536 incidents in 2006/2007 to 19,907 in 2007/2008, a drop of 629.

But the figures mean there are still more than 50 incidents every day in west Suffolk and the area's commanders have pledged to redouble their efforts to clamp down on crime.

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.

“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.”

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

Ch Supt Marshall said: “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.”