CRIME in Fenland has fallen for the third consecutive year, according to new figures released by the Fenland Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

They show that 349 fewer crimes were committed between April 2011 and March 2012 than in the previous year – a drop of five per cent.

Significant reductions have been achieved in crimes identified as priority issues for the CSP. Burglary at domestic premises has fallen by 15.5 per cent and vehicle crime by 14 per cent, resulting in 45 fewer victims.

Close cooperation with licence holders and police through voluntary groups has also cut the level of violent crime, with 75 fewer victims, down 6.3 per cent. And there have been 198 fewer instances of criminal damage, a 14.7 per cent reduction.

Anti-social behaviour also seems to be on the decrease, with fewer residents now believing there to be many incidents in their community. This is seen to be the result of targeted police patrolling, CCTV and community engagement in particular problem areas.

The CSP has also worked closely with Fenland schools over the past 12 months on projects designed to challenge the thinking and behaviour of young people. They include Safety Zones (safety awareness and education to all Year 5 students), village road safety events and Youth Arenas staged in the town parks.

Councillor David Oliver, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for community safety, said: “These figures are very encouraging and show the success we are having across the district.

“However, we won’t rest on our laurels. The partnership continues to challenge all its members to find new ways to ensure Fenland remains a safe and cohesive community.

“Our focus remains on tackling alcohol-related crime and working with the police and the community to reduce anti-social behaviour throughout the district.”

Chief Insp Mike Winters, Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Fenland district commander, said: “I am delighted that crime is continuing to fall and the entire policing team in Fenland is committed to working with partners to maintain this downward trend.

“The number of people suffering crime and anti-social behaviour is reducing and I will ensure that despite current pressures, our newly structured policing team will do all it can to keep up this good performance and make Fenland a nicer and safer place to live.”

• The CSP’s priorities are developed from intelligence gathered from the 2011 strategic assessment and local police and community feedback. The new Community Safety Partnership action plan can be found at http://www.fenland.gov.uk/article/2591/Community-Safety-Partnership