The economic slump is being blamed for changing crime patterns which have seen an increase in house burglaries and robberies in the South Yarmouth area.
The economic slump is being blamed for changing crime patterns which have seen an increase in house burglaries and robberies in the South Yarmouth area.
Although neighbourhood policing in South Yarmouth is having a positive impact overall with a 9.6pc drop in the number of crimes reported some of the most feared offences have gone up by more than 26pc.
Figures for the six month period ending last month show that there were 144 fewer crimes reported in the area than in the same period the previous year.
Insp Nick Cheshire, who leads the South Yarmouth Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This is fantastic news for Great Yarmouth and shows the positive impact the Safer Neighbourhood Team is having.
“We are working more closely with our partners to prevent crime from happening and we will continue to work with our partners and people in the community to problem solve issues and reduce crime.”
The total number of reported crimes in the area was 1352 compared to 1496 for the same period last year.
There were 39 fewer incidents of criminal damage with cases down from 331 to 292. The area has also seen a drop in drug offences with 73 crimes reported this year, compared to 86 in 2008.
However the number of house burglaries increased by nine to 43 and there was also a slight increase in robbery with four more reported.
Insp Cheshire said police had expected to see a rise in certain offences due to the current economic downturn. However, lessons learned from the previous recession had ensured police were well-placed to tackle shifting crime trends.
Current priorities for the team include tackling anti-social behaviour at York Road and Dorset Close and last week the team took part in a multi-agency operation in Middlegate.
Insp Cheshire added: “While these figures are positive we will not be complacent and the public can be assured that we will continue to work with our partners to ensure we see a further reduction in crime.”
To contact the South Yarmouth Safer Neighbourhood Team call 0845 456 4567 or email sntsouthyarmouth@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.
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