Crime rates in Breckland have seen a sharp drop of up to nearly 30pc, according to new figures. New statistics released this week show thefts of motor vehicles have dropped 28pc and thefts from vehicles fell 24pc in the period 2007/8 compared to the previous year.

Crime rates in Breckland have seen a sharp drop of up to nearly 30pc, according to new figures.

New statistics released this week show thefts of motor vehicles have dropped 28pc and thefts from vehicles fell 24pc in the period 2007/8 compared to the previous year.

Recorded incidents of violence against a person have dropped 19pc, and burglary offences have dropped 18pc, according to Breckland Council.

The council says the figures are a reflection of the success of the Crime Reduction Partnership between Breckland Council, police, Norfolk County Council, the fire service, and health bodies.

“These trends are extremely encouraging,” said Steven Askew, executive member for communities at Breckland.

“It is crucial, however, that the initiatives and partnership work is maintained to sustain continuous improvement.”

Measures which had helped cut crime included publicity campaigns on securing satellite navigation systems, CCTV, improved lighting in car parks and property marking, said a spokesman for the council.

Pubwatch schemes in Dereham and Thetford

and the use of CCTV to monitor higher crime areas with regular visits from licensing officers to pubs and clubs had also

helped.

Meanwhile, a property marking scheme and the Homewatch scheme and involvement in the

Partners Against Crime Taskforce (PACT) alliance had helped to reduce burglaries.