Fall in drink-related offences

A RAFT of measures introduced to drive down alcohol-fuelled offences and anti-social behaviour in the county over the Christmas and New Year has resulted in a reduction in crime.

The 16.3pc drop is based on a comparison with statistics from the same period in 2008, from Thursday, December 24 to New Year's Day.

The actual number of crimes during the 2009 festive period fell by 153 - which means 153 less victims of crime compared to 2008. Violent crime was down by 14 offences (9.2pc).

This has been achieved through targeted work, police operations and working closely with partners and the community who fed information to the police helping to direct policing resources.

Chief Superintendent Tony Cherington said: “The results have been achieved by a team effort, of not only the police and partner agencies, but importantly the public.

“Police officers continued the high visibility approach and worked with other agencies to deter persons from committing offences and I would like to thank them all for their contribution and commitment over a very busy period.

"In general everyone seemed to be well-behaved and in good spirits and it would appear the sensible-drinking message was heeded.

"I would however like to stress that although the festive period is over the Constabulary is not going to be complacent there - are a number of initiatives that will take place over the coming months."

The statistics for “all crimes” during the 2009 festive period fell to 784 from 937 in 2008 (drop of 153).

Initiatives contributing to this reduction included operations to target shoplifting in Norwich and town centres including Great Yarmouth, Thetford, King's Lynn and Dereham and close work with partners involved in the night-time economy.

In South Norfolk Special Constabulary officers teamed up with Neighbourhood Policing Teams to carry out breath tests on motorists in Wymondham, Diss and Long Stratton.