CHIPPENHAM NEWS: CRIME in Corsham has gone down by almost 10 per cent in the past year, latest police figures reveal.

But while offences of burglary dropped by 36 per cent, there have been small increases in violent crime and criminal damage.

The statistics, which compare data for 2003/04 with corresponding information for 2002/03, indicate a 9.4 per cent overall reduction of crime.

Speaking at Corsham's annual town meeting on Thursday, Inspector Simon Message said the figures were good news for the town. Insp Dave Cullop has now taken over from him in Corsham, but the statistics refer to Insp Message's time in office.

He said: "From my point of view this is very positive and not only has crime gone down, but we are tracking down more of the crimes committed."

Police chiefs set Corsham officers a target to detect 25 per cent of crimes committed in their area. Although Corsham's figure of 23.6 per cent just missed this figure, it still represented a 3.9 per cent rise from the previous year.

As well as the significant reduction in burglaries, the past year saw police record no distraction burglaries, where offenders con their way into people's homes, particularly targeting the elderly. Vehicle crimes were also down by just under 16 per cent.

But on the flip side, violent crime rose by 4.4 per cent and reports of criminal damage by 3.2 per cent, with a high concentration of incidents in the Martingate Cente.

Insp Message added: "The aim for the next year is to have 28 per cent of crimes detected. We may possibly get an extra police officer, but we can't guarantee that.

"We can guarantee a police community support officer (PCSO) on the streets of Corsham at the beginning of September. I'm sure this will have a great impact on policing in the community."

PCSOs assist regular officers by gathering information on crime and liaising with residents to identify problems. Although they do not have the same powers as police they are not bogged down by paper work.

Corsham Town Council has put forward £5,775 towards funding a PCSO for this year and has pledged to support the service in the future.

Insp Message admitted leaving Corsham after less than a year in charge was not ideal, but expects Insp Cullop to have a longer period working alongside Sgt Dave Eddy.

He said: "Unfortunately this high level of change is something that is here to stay. There will always be a flow of staff."

As revealed in the Chippenham News, inquiry office opening times are due to drop to between 1.30pm and 6.30pm each day, but no date has yet been set for the change. A new phone system is also being installed, which will see callers directed to a central call centre.