A CRIME audit has identified Witton in Northwich and Wharton and Over in Winsford as the crime hotspots of Vale Royal.

But the conclusion of the survey is that the region is getting safer, although violent crime and shoplifting remain areas for concern.

The audit, which has been conducted by the Vale Royal Community Safety Partnership over the past six months, found that overall crime in Vale Royal for 2003 to 2004 was down by 12 per cent on the previous year, with house burglaries down by 39 per cent, vehicle crime down 17 per cent and violent crime down five per cent.

It also found that:

l Witton, Wharton and Over are constantly showing high rates of all forms of crime and disorder and need future attention

l Youth nuisance continues to be a significant problem

l Drug offences are declining, though there are a few prolific offenders with substance misuse

l Alcohol is believed to be a significant cause of much offending, especially violence and anti-social behaviour

l Nuisance fires account for 83 per cent of fire calls and are a particular problem for the fire service

l The cost of crime in the region over this period was £10,970,670, with violent crime accounting for 29 per cent of this total.

The audit was compiled after a public consultation exercise, to which 1,000 people replied.

Although 69 per cent of people who reported a crime were satisfied with the courtesy of the police, only 45 per cent were pleased with the speed of the response and 40 per cent were very dissatisfied with the follow-up they received.

It has identified a number of priorities for future policing, including more visible policing, better follow-up after crimes, cutting down on drinking in streets and providing places for young people to meet.

Community safety co-ordinator Tony Bostock said there were no great surprises in the audit.

He said: "What is pleasing is the drop in crime, which is continuing this year. The cost of crime is coming down."

rbabington@guardiangrp.co.uk