IN response to the letter from Michael Dunn (Shuttle/Times and News, December 16) regarding a rise in violent crime, there are some points on which I would like to respond.

The defintion of "violent crime" has widened over recent years and now includes incidents such as lower level disorder offences. This accounts for some increases in recorded levels of violent crime.

Despite these changes in definition we are seeing a downward trend in reports of violent crime in Wyre Forest.

This year we have experienced a significant reduction in the number of violent crimes being committed compared to last year.

Violent crime is dealt with as a priority by the police and we have a detection rate of almost 60 per cent for these types of offences.

We are performing very well but we are not complacent and will continue to provide reassurance and deal positively with offenders.

Wyre Forest remains a safe place to live.

INSP PAUL CROWLEY

Kidderminster Police Station

Mason Road

Kidderminster