RESIDENTS in east Suffolk should be “reassured” by new figures which show overall crime has fallen by 6.6%, police chiefs said today.

Russell Claydon

RESIDENTS in east Suffolk should be “reassured” by new figures which show overall crime has fallen by 6.6%, police chiefs said today.

But serious drug offences increased by 13% between April 2007 and January this year, compared to the same period last year.

Police chiefs were said to be “delighted” with the overall picture the figures painted and said the increase in serious drug offences was due to their more proactive approach.

Chief Superintendent Martin Jelley, commander for the eastern area, which covers the districts of Ipswich, Suffolk Coastal and Waveney, said: “I am delighted with these positive figures and would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the officers and staff within the east area, many of whom do a difficult and dangerous job.

“Through their hard work and commitment we have achieved a significant reduction in crime with nearly 1,700 fewer victims within the east of Suffolk in the first 10 months of this financial year.

“This is about family members being less likely to become a victim of crime and I hope these figures offer some reassurance to the public. Keeping the public safe and making Suffolk an even safer place to live is our goal.”

The figures also revealed crimes categorised as violence against the person fell by 10% to 4,800 offences, as did the number of robberies, which reduced to 157 offences.

Theft from motor vehicles was also down 13% on last year's period to 1,568 offences and criminal damage was reduced by 10% to 5,634 offences.

“Underpinning this success is the strong support and commitment shown by our partner agencies and I would like to extend my thanks to them as well,” said Chief Supt Jelley.

“The work of the Crime and Disorder Reduction and Local Strategic Partnerships have all contributed to making our villages and town safer places.

“Likewise Safer Neighbourhood Teams, that were introduced nearly a year ago, are making a difference within the communities they serve.”

But he said the force would not get complacent with crime reduction and would look to make residents even safer.

He said drug offences were still growing, according to the figures, but this reflected the work that had been carried out by officers.

“Drugs are a concern to many people who live and work in Suffolk. Serious drug offences have increased by 13% across the area but that is largely due to the proactive work undertaken by officers. “Operation Academy in Ipswich and Operation Utensil in Lowestoft, where we have arrested and charged a large number of drug dealers, have both achieved excellent results in the past year and we will increase our efforts to build on this success to drive individuals who persist on coming in to our area to sell drugs out of the county and in to prison.”

Anyone wishing to report a crime can contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500.