CRACK POLICE SQUAD CLEARS UP BURGLARIES (From Warrington Guardian)

CRACK POLICE SQUAD CLEARS UP BURGLARIES

A POLICE burglary squad has helped crime detection rates soar since it was set up.

The squad - which targets known criminals and burglary hot spots - has seen clear up rates increase by 42%.

It was set up as part of Operation Nectar last November in a bid to cut burglaries.

Superintendent Ian Johns, head of Northwich police, said: "We have arrested more than 100 people and cleared up more than 400 cases since the launch of 'Operation Nectar' and this is a massive improvement."

Supt Johns and Chief Inspector Paul Moore highlighted the success at a Vale Royal Area Committee meeting.

Councillors were also told that there had been no increase in crime since the disbandment of beat officers, four months ago.

Supt Johns added: "We have made an effort to target those people that we know are very active in crime and we also target hot spots within the division.

"I believe this is far more effective policing and the success speaks for itself."

Clr Bob Woodhouse, chairman of Vale Royal Area Committee, was impressed with the increase in detection rates.

"The police are addressing local problems in a dynamic and positive manner in order to achieve results," he said.

"They need the support of the local community in this partnership approach which replaces the stereotype of bobbies on patrol 24 hours a day, that in reality could never be achieved."

He added: "Vale Royal is one of the safest places in the country to live. Statistics prove my case."

The latest Home Office figures show that Vale Royal's crime rate of 50 per 1,000 population, is considerably lower than the 87 per 1,000 average in England and Wales.

Clr Moira Chapman, co-chairman of the Vale Royal Area Committee and chairman of the Cheshire Police Authority, said: "The increase in the burglary detection rate supports the recent changes.

"Fighting crime and disorder can no longer be the sole responsibility of the police. There's a lot that a community can do to help itself.

"Police officers need to work with a wide range of organisations, including the Government and county council, so that problems can be worked out together."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.