Public praise as crime figures fall

That's eight times better than figures for Sussex as a whole. And Bexhill's sector commander, Inspector Max Mosley has praised the "partnership" with the public which has made this possible. Working with the Observer, the Inspector has consistently called on the public to report crime as soon as it happens.

The total number of crimes in the rolling year to May was 2,970 down 226 on the previous year. Best news is car crime down by 70 per cent to 118 83 fewer than the year before.

Theft from vehicles is down by 20 per cent to 402 (81 fewer than the previous year) and house burglaries are down six per cent to 174 reports.

Burglary at commercial premises is down by 43 per cent to 206.

Inspector Mosley is delighted by the reduction, which he says is a reflection of improving co-operation between police and public."

He is even more pleased with the figures for the last two months. These are down by 21 per cent overall but he cautions against placing too much importance on short-term trends.

The only blot on Bexhill's improving situation is the figure for criminal damage. This is is an area which the Inspector says will require particular attention.

The crime rate had dropped, he said, "because of the continuing co-operation from the public and directed activity that the police are doing in targeting those individuals who cause crime. It is beginning to show our strategies are working very well.

"But the important thing is the partnership with the public and the fact they are reporting stuff to us. The partnership we have with members of the public is beginning to show fruit.

"Crime in the whole of Sussex is down by one per cent in the same year-period April to May."

"Over the rolling year, 600 offences of criminal damage were reported in Bexhill, so criminal damage completely bucks the trend and that is clearly where we would like more support from the public.

He says: "Clearly we should not be complacent with these figures."

He believes it is important for police and public alike not to rest on their laurels.

"By working in partnership, increasing community spirit and reporting incidents when they happen we CAN reduce crime!"