Violent crime falls

PUBLIC place violence in Hailsham so far this year is down by a massive 49 per cent, despite a national rise in serious or violent crime.

Figures for the period April to June 2002 show just 18 offences committed with eight out of 10 being detected.

Neighbourhood Inspector Rex Matthews said: 'This is remarkable considering the size of South Wealden and the number of parishes and villages it encompasses.

'There has been much national coverage over the last week about the rise in crime, particularly in respect of robberies and other violent street crimes. This just goes to show how safe Hailsham and its neighbouring parishes are.

'But Hailsham clearly bucks this trend. The fact that already violent crime is down by almost 50 per cent is a clear indication that Hailsham is a safe place for people to live, work and visit.'

Part of the decrease in reported offences has been due to high visibile policing with foot patrols stepped up across the area.

Insp Matthews said: 'I have been inundated with comments from the public telling me how reassured they feel with the return of the bobby on the beat. This is all part of breathing life back into Hailsham Police Station as part of the Chief Constable's vision for the future. This is vital if we are to maintain our successes and continue to decrease the level of crime and disorder in the sector.'

Other headline figures for the South Wealden area for April-June 2002 include: Total crime down 7.6 per cent; domestic burglary down 0.8 per cent; vehicle crime down 7.3 per cent; all violent crime (including domestic violence) down 2.5 per cent.

Last week the latest crime figures revealed Sussex was one of only five forces in England and Wales where recorded crime decreased during 2001-02.

There were 1,800 fewer crimes in Sussex in the year to March 2002, a 1.3 per cent decrease, compared to a 7 per cent rise nationally.

Burglary from people's homes was down 10.4 per cent, vehicle crime was down 10.7 per cent and detections were up 9.3 per cent.

Performance

Sussex Police Authority chairman David Rogers said: 'Sussex is getting safer. Crime is down and police numbers are rising. These are not the sort of facts that always make the news but that is the reality of what is happening in Sussex.

'Sussex Police performance is among the most improved in the country over the past 18 months. The Police Authority will continue to monitor the Force's performance to ensure that we maintain this upward trend.'

Chief Constable Ken Jones said: 'These are very encouraging figures which should do a great deal to improve public confidence in their police service.

'Our plans over the coming year to introduce Neighbourhood Police Teams across Sussex will deliver the excellence in local policing which is key to making our communities feel safer as well.'