Anti-social conduct and crime is down (From South Wales Guardian)

Anti-social conduct and crime is down

6:00am Wednesday 25th April 2012 in News

CRIME across the Dyfed- Powys Police area fell by 2.6 per cent and anti-social behaviour by almost a fifth over the past year, new figures show.

Chief Constable Ian Arundale, who steps down from the post in June, said that historically low levels of crime were a reflection on the “excellent relationships”

that existed between neighbourhood policing teams and communities.

“These figures represent great news because they mean that there were 563 fewer victims of crime than in the previous year and this area remains by far and away the safest to live in, work or visit throughout England and Wales,” he said.

“When you add to this the fact that nearly half of all the crimes reported to us were detected, it is fairly obvious why criminals should think twice about committing crime in Mid and WestWales.”

But the chief constable pointed out that as budget cuts continue to bite and other major changes to policing were introduced, maintaining the excellent performance that has been associated with Dyfed- Powys Police should not be something to be taken for granted.

“We are still having to make significant cuts to our budget while preparing for the election of our first police and crime commissioner on November 15,” he said.

“This represents a huge change for us and gives you the opportunity to go to the polls and elect one person who will be responsible for the delivery of policing across the whole of our force area.

“My current deputy, Jackie Roberts, will be taking over from me in June and I know she, supported by all staff and officers across the force, is committed to continuing to deliver a high-quality service.”