Violent crime decreases in town centre

Lewes police Inspector Viv Johnson said a concerted effort was made to cut trouble in Lewes town centre at weekends when the majority of violent crime take place.

There were extra patrols on Friday and Saturday nights. The number of violent crimes in public place dropped from 73 in 2006 to 51 in 2007

Inspector Johnson revealed the crime statistics in a presentation to Lewes Town Council on Thursday last week.

She said: 'It's wonderful news that violent crime is down, especially in the town centre.

'Lewes is a very safe town and most of the victims were male aged 18-25 who generally knew their attackers.

'Officers have been out on Friday and Saturday nights and have been there to diffuse problems and also to catch people when things have happened.'

In 2007 there was also a drop in reported vandalism and criminal damage, from 409 in 2006 to 322 in 2007.

Attacks on parking machines continued throughout the year. However,

Insp Johnson said less meters had been vandalised than in previous years, but there was a sharp increase in attacks around Bonfire celebrations.

The overall number of crimes reported to police in Lewes dropped from 1,320 in 2006 to 1,220 In 2007.

There had been an increase in the number of car break-ins and thefts from vehicles.

Insp Johnson said: 'In 2006 there were a reported 78 vehicle crimes reported to us, 2007 shows an increase of 37 victims of vehicle crime.

This is a grave matter for concern as this is the only area of crime that is increasing in the town.'

Insp Johnson praised the commitment of her officers based at Lewes Police Station, including four police community support officers who had been working on Lewes' housing estates.