Crime reduction is ‘exceptional’

10:10am Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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CRIME reduction work carried out by police and councils has been praised as "truly exceptional" by the Home Office.

Last Thursday, the Home Office published the annual crime statistics report which compares figures from April last year to March this year with the previous 12 months.

It showed nationally overall crime has dropped by 10 per cent, whereas in north Kent it has dropped by 16.6 per cent, from 22,280 offences to 18,590.

Crime in all categories has been reduced in north Kent.

At a press conference held in Gravesend last Thursday morning, Home Office regional director for the south east John Scott said this was "truly exceptional".

Speaking at The Three Daws pub on the Town Pier, he said the north Kent statistics were "figures to be proud of".

The 16.6 per cent drop is the best in Kent and includes a 15.7 per cent drop in drug offences, down from 573 to 483, despite rises throughout the rest of the county.

North Kent also saw a 14.6 per cent drop in violent crime, with offences falling from 4,618 to 3,942.

The national average is 12 per cent.

Gravesham Council leader Councillor Mike Snelling said the statistics were great news but the council and police would not become complacent.

He said: "Let's be proud of what we have achieved but move on."

North Kent police area commander Chief Superintendent Paul Brandon highlighted the success of the relationship between police and Gravesham and Dartford councils in tackling crime.

He said they "regularly share intelligence and data to seek multi-agency solutions to local problems".

Mr Brandon also mentioned the recent conviction of Richard Skeates, of St Hilda's Way, Gravesend, as an example of north Kent police using new technology to fight crime.

Footage from an officer's head camera was used to prosecute the 45-year-old after he hit PC John Clarke on the head with a samurai sword.

Despite the crime reduction success, Mr Brandon said: "There is still work to do as we continue to strive to make Gravesend and Dartford an even safer place to live."

YOUR SAY: Is the area a safer place to live?

After the release of the annual government report on crime statistics, reporter VICKI FOSTER visited Gravesend to find out what people think about the results.

• RETIRED secretary Janice Marshall, 75, of Fountain Walk, Northfleet, said: "I must admit I do not like it and I am worried about crowds of people. Although I think it is made out to be worse than it actually is."

• JOHN Armstrong, 58, of Istead Rise, Gravesend, runs The Fruit Stall in the town centre. He said: "I do not think it has got safer. I was attacked around six weeks ago as I was sleeping in my lorry. He punched me nine times."

• DISTRICT nurse Pauline Martin, 50, from Rochester, said: "I do not feel safer. I still see groups of youths congregating around the place."

• MUM-OF-TWO Pauline Moore, 31, of The Alma, Riverview, said: "I feel safe but I am worried about the future of my children. I will try to keep them away from trouble."

• ABDUL Qadri, 24, from Wembley, works in Gravesend as as a security officer. He said: "To be honest this area is safer than where I live. I feel safe."