Crime rate set to drop to three year low (From Andover Advertiser)

Crime rate set to drop to three year low

3:30pm Tuesday 9th December 2008 in Search Module By Joe Faretra

OVERTON is on track to record its lowest reported annual crimes since parish beat officer Pc Richard Baldwin took over the area in 2005.

And last month, November, the Overton beat also recorded its lowest reported monthly crimes – with only nine crimes recorded against the whole of the beat area which includes Overton, Ashe, Ashe Warren, South Litchfield, Coxford Down, Laverstoke and Freefolk.

The total number of crimes recorded by the end of November was 147, compared to 173 at the same point last year.

The forecast for the year end is a total of 165, which would be lower than the the previous two years of 193 in 2007 and 268 in 2006.

Pc Baldwin said: “The crime figures are very low.

“There is no doubt that Overton is a safe place to live and conduct a business.

“The month of November was fantastic with only nine reported crimes, however, there are nine victims of crimes who are probably less than pleased with the figures.

“Crime has dropped every year that I have been the local beat bobby and I take great pride in that fact.

“The drop in crime is attributable to a number of factors, however I do have to pick out the local neighbourhood policing team of PCSO James Dalton and community wardens Richard Tozer and Lucy Gaitskell.

“I’d also like to credit our Neighbourhood Watch members and everyone else who takes measures to prevent and deter criminal behaviour in Overton, Freefolk and Laverstoke.

“I also work alongside bodies like the Overton Parish Council who have supported local initiatives to reduce crime and disorderly behaviour.