SUFFOLK Constabulary said crime in the county has fallen, according to its latest annual performance figures released today.

Colin Adwent

SUFFOLK Constabulary said crime in the county has fallen, according to its latest annual performance figures released today.

Overall crime fell by 3.8% (to 46,504) in 2008/09, with 1,826 fewer crimes recorded the previous year.

The numbers of vehicle crime, criminal damage and burglaries all fell, violent crime remained the same, while drug offences and robberies rose.

Police also said the number of crimes solved has increased compared to the same period the previous year.

The force said its call handling has also been exceptionally good, 95.6% of 999 calls were answered within 10 seconds, 5.6% above the target set of 90%.

There was a significant improvement in response to non-emergency calls, 84.6% of the calls were answered within 30 seconds compared to 81% last year.

Suffolk's Chief Constable Simon Ash said: “A great deal of hard work and commitment from our officers and staff has really paid off. Our county has become even safer which is an excellent result. I am particularly pleased to see a reduction in crime as well as an increase in the number of crimes being solved.

“Not only that, but we continue to perform well in taking, and responding to, urgent calls for assistance.

“In the year ahead, we must build upon this solid foundation as we aim to deliver the best possible service to the communities of Suffolk.

“Not only will we continue to tackle crime, but we will also continue to focus on increasing local people's confidence in their local policing service. We need to ensure that local people feel safe and they feel we are doing a good job.”

Police figures:

Violent crime levels remained the same;

Vehicle crime fell by 7%;

Criminal damage decreased by 7% (arson fell by 26%);

Burglary (homes) fell by 6%;

The detection rate improved by 4% to 34.3%.

In total 15,949 crimes were solved - an extra 1,285 compared to 2007/08.

The number of drugs offences recorded has increased by 12%.

Robbery is up by 3% with 271 crimes compared to 262 in 2007/08.