Pembrokeshire's a safe place to live, says Chief Superintendent Dean Richards. His message comes as statistics released this week show the county's police division has achieved a 15 per cent reduction in crime during the fiscal year 2007/08. "This has meant that there were 1,175 fewer victims of crime in the county," said Chief Superintendent Richards. Police in Pembrokeshire have concentrated on tackling violent crime across the county, in partnership with other agencies such as the local authority and the licensing trade in order to reduce in particular alcohol related violent crime. As a consequence, violent crime fell by 25 per cent, some 534 less crimes compared to the same period last year, with the most serious violent crime falling by 44 per cent. A total of 57.6 per cent of all violent crime and 72.2 per cent of the most serious violence against the person has been detected. And in 38 per cent of recorded crimes, offenders entered the criminal justice system, which was well above the national average. Added Chief Superintendent Richards: "County initiatives such as the knife amnesty and the Behave or Be Banned (BOBB) scheme, together with high visibility patrols at key times, have contributed to these significant reductions. "The introduction of Neighbourhood Policing Teams to tackle quality of life issues such as anti-social behaviour and criminal damage is having an effect on communities. "This year, the county has seen a reduction in criminal damage offences with 319 less offences (14 per cent). Burglary of people's homes remained the same as last year, with burglary of other premises such as business premises, sheds and outbuildings increasing by some 20 offences (six per cent) "The division is committed to supporting communities to deal with locally identified problems and will work together to resolve these issues, through having dedicated Neighbourhood Teams that are accessible and responsive to communities' needs." Overall, the reduction in the crime figures for Pembrokeshire was "pleasing", added Chief Superintendent Richards. "They mean Pembrokeshire is a safer place to live, work and visit," he said. "The challenge will be to sustain these reductions and improve again in areas of alcohol related violence, additionally to start to make progress in reducing burglary across the county."
