THE fight against crime is being won, say police, after the number of recorded incidents in South Worcestershire fell by 15 per cent.

They say the "tide is continuing to turn", and a fall in violent crime of around nine per cent in South Worcestershire contrasts with the rising figure nationwide.

"A marked reduction across all four key areas - burglaries, vehicles, violence and robbery - is particularly encouraging," said the divisional commander of South Worcestershire, Chief Supt Simon Adams.

"The consistent success in the fight against criminals demonstrates our determination to tackle offences of all types and at all levels, organised or indiscriminate."

Chief Supt Adams said the reduction in recorded crimes had had a positive impact on detection rates.

"The welcome and substantial reduction in crime, coupled to increased detections across the board, provides massive reassurance to the law-abiding members of the community throughout South Worcestershire that the tide is continuing to turn."

/ A spokesman for Worcester police said they were unable to provide any further comment "because a General Election has been called".

Yesterday, the Worcester News reported that crime had fallen by 11 per cent in the whole West Mercia region, which includes Shropshire and Herefordshire.

The Home Office statistics cover the period from April 1 last year to March 31 this year.

Last year's figures, which came out in July 2004 and showed violent crime rising in Worcester, were criticised by the city's police for not showing "an up-to-date reflection".

What's your experience of crime? Tell us your stories by calling 01905 742244 or e-mailing: wenedit@thisisworcester.co.uk.

Mum's detectives did a brilliant job

A VICTIM'S son has praised officers who have contributed to the police success story.

Detective Inspector Graham Smith led Operation Resound which culminated in the jailing of two men for scores of distraction burglaries, mainly against vulnerable elderly people.

At the age of 86, widow Beryl Christian-Brookes was one of their victims.

She lived alone in her large 16th Century cottage in Cutnall Green, when she heard the men pulling and shaking the door and trying to get in. They even unscrewed the door handle.

Mrs Christian-Brookes had been so scared she decided to move straight out, and now lives in sheltered accommodation.

"The treatment she received from the police was fabulous," said her son, Andrew.

"You couldn't fault them. The police did a brilliant job - it's just a shame that the judiciary system didn't allow them to be jailed for longer."

Det Insp Smith's team interviewed 486 witness, collected and managed over 450 exhibits and organised 147 video identification parades, which eventually led to the conviction of Martin Bradley and Adrian Sharp. At Worcester Crown Court, Sharp and Bradley, both from Bromsgrove, admitted carrying out seven burglaries, with Sharp pleading guilty to a further four. Sharp was sentenced to seven years, Bradley five.

"Det Insp Smith and his team were instrumental in bringing both these criminals to justice," said a police spokesman.

RECORDED CRIME FIGURES

l Total: Down to 20,739 from 24,305 (fall of 14.7 per cent). Detection up to 37 per cent from 31 per cent.

l Violent crime: Down to 4,367 from 4,794 (fall of 8.9 per cent). Detection up to 77 per cent from 66 per cent.

l Burglaries: Down to 1,155 from 1,363 (fall of 15.3 per cent). Detection up to 23 per cent from 16 per cent.

l Vehicle crime: Down to 2,364 from 2,883 (fall of 18 per cent). Detection remains at 19 per cent.

l Robberies: Down to 119 from 169 (fall of 29.6 per cent). Detection up to 46 per cent from 36 per cent.