Inspector Les Clark, of Dyfed Powys Police, presented his end of year report for Tenby and Saundersfoot to Tenby town councillors on Tuesday evening.
He told members that last year, a total of 1,112 crimes were committed, with the police detection rate standing at 60 per cent, which was slightly down on last year, but still significantly better than most areas of the United Kingdom.
Continuing, he stated that the number of officers and facilities available was in line with Home Office regulations and he personally was 'satisfied' with the resources available to him.
A breakdown of the figures was provided and showed that in the fiscal year 2002/3, 40 more crimes were committed than the previous year. Some 284 crimes reported were for violence and assault, with the majority of these coming from rowdy pubs on the weekends, Insp. Clark stated.
He pointed out, however, that 90 per cent of all assaults were detected by the police, which was very pleasing for the local constabulary.
The introduction of two CCTV vans to the force had been greatly appreciated. Not only did these vehicles help catch more criminal activity, but they also acted as a deterrent, with Insp. Clark telling councillors that when the vans were parked at the side of the road, passing drivers automatically slowed down.
A key issue in the report was the effort to combat drugs in the area. Police officers were now detecting more drug related crime, with 124 crimes committed in the past year, as opposed to 38 the year before.
Officers were being encouraged to use their search powers more often, whenever they suspect someone, and this had led to the increase in detection, explained Insp Clark.
The force also had the use of a search dog, funded by the National Assembly, which had been used on a few occasions.
Councillors also received a presentation from the Dyfed Powys Drugs and Alcohol Team, who stressed the amount of drugs available throughout the county and the knowledge of drugs possessed by primary school children.
The team are to travel round schools in the area warning children of the dangers of drugs.
If anyone has concerns about drugs or alcohol misuse, a confidential, freephone number has been set up to deal with queries. The number is 0800 776600 The number won't appear on your 'phone bill.