MONTHLY performance figures show that overall crime in Central Division, which includes March, Chatteris, Wisbech and Whittlesey, has dropped for the second month in a row. The figures, from May, 2007, show that there is a total of 108 fewer crimes compar

MONTHLY performance figures show that overall crime in Central Division, which includes March, Chatteris, Wisbech and Whittlesey, has dropped for the second month in a row.

The figures, from May, 2007, show that there is a total of 108 fewer crimes compared to May, 2006. Dwelling burglary, vehicle crime, violent crime and criminal damage have all dropped.

Chief Superintendent Mick Gipp, central division divisional commander, said: "There has been a big reduction in overall crime.

"This is down to both police officers and PCSOs being successfully targeted to patrol hotspot areas and being visible on the streets. We use intelligence gathered by officers and analysed by specialist staff to know how to best to target our patrols and this is working to reduce crime.

"The increase in drugs-related offences is testament that officers are gathering intelligence and targeting those using, supplying and cultivating drugs. It is also down to the success of residents in neighbourhoods reporting suspicious activity to their officers, which is then tackled.

"With regards to the slight increase in violent crime - with five incidents in May, 2007 compared to four in May, 2006 - we will not tolerate these crimes and are working hard to reduce this figure.

"Although we are pleased with an overall reduction in crime, we will aim to reduce this figure further to make Cambridgeshire safer."

The breakdown

Figures for May 2007 - (May 2006 figures)

All crime 1,436 incidents (1,544)

Dwelling Burglary 41 incidents (58)

All vehicle crime 181 incidents (194)

Violent crime 279 incidents (294)

Robbery 5 incidents (4)

Criminal damage 333 incidents (365)

Drugs offences 43 incidents (40)