Council leader praises police force

The news that crime has fallen by more than 18 per cent in Neath Port Talbot has been met with delight by Council leader Ali Thomas.

Latest figures released by the Home Office reveal that there were 511 fewer victims of crime between April and June 2009 compared to 2008.

Included in this reduction are notable decreases in crimes which have a costly and sometimes life-changing impact on the victim, such as violent crime, house burglaries, car crime and sexual offences.

The figures reveal:

• An 18.3 per cent reduction in overall crime;
• Violent crime cut by 16.1 per cent;
• House burglaries down 46.7 per cent;
• Thefts of vehicles reduced 20.3 per cent;
• Thefts from vehicles down 36.9 per cent;

Councillor Thomas said the hard work being carried out by Neath Port Talbot police officers on a daily basis is paying dividends.

"These officers do an excellent job serving and protecting the people of the county borough," he said. "I would like to personally offer my thanks to each and every officer for making Neath Port Talbot a safe and friendly borough for our citizens and visitors.

"Under the strong leadership of Superintendent Julian Williams Neath Port Talbot are leading the way in crime reduction in the UK."