THERE were 2,000 fewer victims of crime on the Island last year compared to three years ago.
The latest figures show violent crime fell for the third year running, as did house burglary, criminal damage, car theft and shop lifting.
In fact, statistics presented to the Isle of Wight Council’s fire and community safety scrutiny panel last Wednesday showed an 11 per cent fall in house burglary, robbery and vehicle crime, a 28 per cent reduction in violent crime, a 25 per cent fall in anti-social behaviour and an 18 per cent reduction in criminal damage and arson.
The Island’s Supt, Norman Mellors, said the Island was being recognised as an area of Britain for best practice and he had been invited to address senior police officers at a conference in Canary Wharf, London.
He put the dramatic slash in crime firmly on the shoulders of inter-agency, partnership working and said there would be no complacency.
Supt Mellors told councillors: "This is a safe place to live."
The committee also examined a report on community safety for 2008/09, produced by the Isle of Wight Crime and Disorder Reduction Panel (CDRP).
It showed in 157 house burglaries, the offender gained entry through insecure doors or windows.
The report also revealed 960 people were arrested for drug offences, an increase of 13 per cent on the previous year due to the proactive work of the police and other partners.
The total street value of drugs seized in 2008/09 was £436,976.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk