CRIME is down and detection rates are up in the Vale of Evesham.

The number of crimes in Wychavon during the eight months from April until December last year was 4,775 compared with 5,520 in the same period the previous year.

Thirty-five per cent of all crimes were detected compared with 28 per cent between April and December 2003.

PC Paul Adams, crime risk and beat manager in the town, said co-operation between the police, local authorities, residents and other agencies all played a part.

He said police attitudes had changed on issues such as domestic violence.

This was reflected in a slight overall reduction in violent crime and an improvement in the detection rate with 78 per cent solved - an increase of nine per cent from the same period in 2003.

"We take domestic violence very seriously. Where appropriate police will arrest people responsible," said PC Adams.

The Vale policeman said tackling drug crime was important.

"Evesham has its share of drug addicts who commit crime - generally shoplifting - to pay for their addiction."

Figures show progress in the fight against domestic burglaries and PC Adams praised good local partnerships.

"There are very good projects that are improving urban safety and restoring civic pride such as the Charity Crescent Residents' Association.

"Powers to deal with anti-social behaviour also help. Police can confiscate cars being driven in a way that causes public nuisance."

Finally, PC Adams said agencies were co-operating to "design out crime."

"This involves creating the conditions where crime is less likely.

"The lighting in Avon Street is a good example of using lights to design out crime."