POLICE chiefs have announced an overall drop in crime. District commander for East Hampshire chief inspector Phil Kedge said the figures released this week showed a significant drop in violent crime and vehicle crime. But he highlighted an increase in burglaries. The results covered the last quarter of April, May and June 2007, compared with the same period last year. Chief insp Kedge said: "Last year, the East Hampshire police command area of Alton, Whitehill and Petersfield achieved a 32 per cent reduction in overall crime against official Home Office targets. "I am delighted to report that the good work is continuing this year and is reflected by official figures for the first quarter crime figures compared to last year. "This quarter, we have achieved a further eight per cent reduction in overall crime – 1,344 crimes in 2007/08 compared to 1,460 for 2006/07. "Significant gains have been made in reducing violent crime (down 25 per cent) and there has been a 14 per cent reduction in vehicle crime. "The number of house burglaries has shown a small rise but the numbers remain relatively low – 63 for 2007/08 compared to 46 in 2006/07." Chief insp Kedge added: "The Alton area has seen a significant reduction in overall crime (21 per cent), along with Whitehill at seven per cent. "Very encouragingly, a reduction in violent crime has been reflected across all three areas – 21 per cent in Alton, eight per cent in Whitehill, and 29 per cent in Petersfield." Chief insp Kedge hailed a vigilant public as being vital in ensuring preventable crimes do not happen and also a hardline approach towards consistent offenders. "In terms of targeting those who engage in criminality and bringing offenders to justice, the East Hampshire command area remains one of the highest performing districts across the Hampshire Constabulary," he said. "Many crimes are preventable through simple precautions such as removing valuables from vehicles and not allowing strangers into your house, whatever the circumstance. "The work by police and partners within East Hampshire is continuing to succeed in driving down crime. We are aggressively targeting those who choose to continually undermine our local communities by engaging in crime. "As a result, many of our persistent offenders are currently in prison; either on remand or following sentencing. The community safety partnership within East Hampshire District Council is producing tremendous work in identifying the priorities of local communities to which all partners are responding. This, in turn, is helping to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and provides community reassurance, particularly to vulnerable residents and groups. "East Hampshire district has always been a safe area to live, visit and work. With the continued commitment and dedication by police, partners and local communities, the environment and quality of life for residents will continue to improve." The news came in stark contrast to comments made last month by East Hampshire MP Michael Mates who called for a rethink on policing after Home Office figures revealed what he called an "alarming rise" in violent crime in his area.
