More Good News - Crime DOWN

Crime has dramatically plunged in Teignbridge.

Over the last three years, offences have dropped by a massive 20 per cent.

In 2003-2004, 4,769 crimes were recorded, but in the past 12 months the figure was down to 3,728, smashing a government target.

But the local police chief, Superintendent Richard Baker, stressed that it did not mean officers were content to rest on their laurels.

"Each and every crime committed has an effect, and we will continue to work partnership to bring crime, and the fear of crime, down even further," he said.

The Home Office gave Teignbridge a target to reduce crime by 15 per cent and the challenge was co-ordinated by a community safety team.

In the last year, the initiative has included obtaining anti-social behaviour orders against seven people, installing a youth shelter to help address anti-social behaviour in a Newton Abbot park, and implementing a six-month Section 30 dispersal order in Teignmouth.

Campaigns have also been run, aimed at raising awareness of crime and offering advice to residents.

Supt Baker added: "We work closely with many agencies in South Devon to help deter crime and reduce the fear of crime, and it is good to see such strong results.

"Crime is not simply about numbers and targets, it has a very real effect on people's lives, and I am delighted to see we are succeeding in our work."

And Cllr Brian Berman, Teignbridge executive spokesman for communities and regulation, described the figures as a testament to the hard work put in by organisations throughout the district to help tackle crime and its causes.

He said: "We benefit from living in a very safe area and, through its crime reduction work, the council has helped to make the area even safer for residents and visitors.

"It is the continuous behind the scenes work which is really bringing crime down."

Over the three-year period, the authority has also created a community environment warden service, which ensures a uniformed presence across the district.

Teignbridge also operates an award-winning CCTV system designed to help ensure even safer streets.

Last year it was responsible for more than 500 arrests and the recovery of nearly £60,000 worth of goods.

Another initiative is aimed at targeting the small number of offenders who commit a large percentage of crime. It has reduced repeat offending.

Torbay just missed its target of a 17.5 per cent reduction by 1.2 per cent. But it still meant that offences in the Bay were down from 8,136 three years ago, to 6,811 this year.

Supt Chris Singer said he was heartened the figures reflected success in tackling the types of crime which distressed people most.

Figures for the South Hams are currently being collated.

Courtesy of the Herald Express.

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