Figures send a clear message to criminals (From Warrington Guardian)

Figures send a clear message to criminals

WINSFORD police officers have been praised after figures released show a reduction in crimes being committed in the town.

The statistics, recorded in January, reveal a 6.5 per cent decrease in all crime with a 70 per cent reduction in the number of burglaries and 34 per cent reduction in vehicle crime compared with the same period last year.

Insp Ian Gallagher, who heads up the Winsford Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: "The results being achieved are great and are a reflection of the hard work being put in by all the police officers and staff in Winsford.

"I'm confident we can keep up these standards and would like to reassure residents we will be doing all we can to achieve just that."

The impressive figures have been put down to the successful targeting of prolific offenders, investigative work and partnership work with other agencies and members of the public.

But Insp Gallagher is urging residents to bear other factors in mind when looking at the statistics.

He said: "Figures only tell one side of the story. People may be concerned that 67 violent crimes were recorded in January, however the numbers alone do not show that the term 'violent' crime covers a wide range of offences from an inappropriate nudge in the street to a serious assault.

"Without these considerations people can be left with an unrealistic view of what life is like in an area."

Insp Gallagher believes the statistics will send a clear message to both criminals and law abiding members of the community. He said: "I'm hopeful members of the public are feeling a sense of reassurance from having a dedicated community action team.

"I also think the handful of criminals who commit crime in Winsford are getting the message we will not tolerate their behaviour and will do everything in our power to catch them."