A TOWN has seen its crime level fall by 10% this year after police took measures to combat offenders.

The level of overall crime in Stowmarket so far this year has fallen in the key categories of anti-social behaviour, arson and house burglaries.

Inspector Tristan Pepper, local policing commander for Mid Suffolk, attended a Stowmarket Town Council meeting last week.

He gave a presentation to councillors about the levels of crime in the town.

“Within the Stowmarket Safer Neighbourhood Team area we have seen a reduction of 10% in overall crimes since April 1, compared to the average of the previous three years,” Insp Pepper said.

“Over the same period, anti-social behaviour has also decreased by 18%, incidents of criminal damage and arson reduced by 24% and house burglaries decreased by 40%.

“Officers have been addressing anti-social behaviour by targeting potential locations and offenders, and dealing with them robustly.

“We have also been taking part in initiatives such as Operation Drawbridge, which aims to reduce the number of burglary offences by encouraging homeowners to take simple measures to protect their house and provide police with any information relating to this type of crime.”

He added: “The team remains committed to tackling issues that affect the local community and anti-social behaviour remains a priority for the team.”

Town and district councillor Lesley Mayes praised the police for their work: “I think the residents have always been confident about mid Suffolk as a whole and Stowmarket in particular to be a good place to live.

“I think people feel very safe here, I think the police have it under control. The inspector gave a very positive response to any questions that we raised.”