NEARLY 80 people were arrested in March last month on assault related charges, says a community policing newsletter.

The monthly E-cops email points out the tally of arrests made by the neighbourhood policing team.

PCSO Mo Ali said the force was also happy to see a local man jailed for three years for having sex with a minor.

“As a result we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local residents of March Town who helped the police with the investigation,” he says.

“The road leading to the conviction was a lengthy process, although we are happy that overall a good result was achieved.”

PCSO Ali said he was keen to let people know monthly arrest figures in March for other offences.

He says there were:

* 16 Arrests for burglary

* 76 Arrests for offences related to assault

* 29 arrests for offences related to public order

* 34 arrests for offences related to theft

He added: “Rest assured that we have dealt with the above offenders in a very robust fashion, and as always the message to the criminals is the same: Crime doesn’t pay.”

Police were also trying to hear from anyone following thefts at two premises in Dartford Road between midnight and 2.30am on May 3.

Those responsible headed off via Marylebone Road, leading towards the footbridge adjacent to West-End Park.

“As a result of local inquiries some items from the burglary have been retrieved, although we are still keen to speak to members of the public who

may hold any information which could assist us,” said PCSO Ali.

He said police possessed a “never ending determination to pursue and bring to justice all offenders.”