CRIME in East Hampshire has reduced significantly for the second successive year, according to latest figures. Overall, crime was slashed by six per cent in 2007 -08 across the command areas of Petersfield, Alton, and Whitehill, with notable reductions in burglaries, violent crimes and criminal damage. East Hampshire district commander Phil Kedge said: "It's a tribute to the hard work and dedication of police officers, police staff and our partners that we have achieved these reductions in crime. "We fully recognise that low-level criminal damage disrupts communities and tackling those who cause such damage will remain one of our highest priorities for this year. "A clear message has to go out that anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," added Chief Inspector Kedge. Police cited intelligence-led operations and increased community involvement and crime prevention advice as key factors in burglary rates dropping by 15 per cent. And it is believed the introduction of on-the-spot £80 fixed-penalty notices and dispersal orders are largely responsible for a 13 per cent fall in instances of violent crime. Meanwhile, criminal damage has fallen by seven per cent, reflecting the work of the safer neighbourhoods teams who work closely with agencies and the district council's community safety team, said Chief Insp Kedge. "One of the most significant developments for the district has been the launch of the 'Street Watch' scheme in Four Marks, near Alton, with the public patrolling their own communities to reduce low- level problems," he said. "The scheme should be an example to other areas, where people need to take greater responsibility for their own communities and increase their own sense of safety and community reassurance. "Communities that engage in the Street Watch scheme will quickly understand and experience the benefits of being empowered in taking control of their open spaces." The overall drop in crime was tempered by some rises, as Chief Insp Kedge outlined. "One area of concern has been an eight per cent increase in theft from motor vehicles," he said. "Regrettably, the majority of the thefts have been opportunist, where owners have left items of value in cars. Common thefts involve laptops, sat navs, and handbags." Reflecting on the figures, Chief Insp Kedge added: "Like me, I hope that the public are proud and grateful for the dedication of all officers and staff. "There are several challenges facing the policing of East Hampshire next year. With continued decreases in crime levels, the ability to maintain the downwards trend becomes more challenging. It is my aim to achieve a further two per cent reduction in crime for this coming year," he said.
