Crime in Evesham drops by a fifth

8:50am Thursday 1st May 2008

CRIME in Evesham has dropped dramatically after a series of successful initiatives by local police.

The latest figures released by West Mercia reveal that crime in Evesham has dropped by 21 per cent, while crime in the wider area of Wychavon has fallen by 12 per cent.

At a town council meeting on Monday Inspector Steve Brooker, of Evesham Station, made a verbal report to councillors about policing in the district and spoke of the initiatives that have contributed to their success.

He said: "We have had more visible officers in the Bengeworth area as people go home after being out and cycle patrols have been extremely effective, with good reactions from the public. There will be more cycle patrols coming in the near future too.

"There is still an issue with youngsters getting alcohol and going into the parks, and we're thinking about introducing new technology - a strip that will allow us to detect alcohol in drinks.

"This is a serious issue and we have seen teenagers who are alcohol addicted. Plus, anti-social behaviour can have the greatest impact on people's lives"

Insp Brooker also warned of an increase in metal thefts that weren't specific to the Wychavon area but part of a larger, national problem.

Councillors welcomed the report highlighting the fact there was an officer on the beat in Greenhill for the first time in 36 years, as well as praising the police for their ongoing efforts.

Mayor Alan Booth said: "People can now walk up and down Port Street so the Bengeworth initiative was a great success.

"However, the churchyards are still a problem, and residents are having nightmares about what's going on them."

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