Lowest crime rate in seven years

Levels of most types of crime have fallen in Suffolk during the past six months, according to new figures.

Overall crime fell by 6.1% between April and September, with September seeing the lowest rate in seven years.

Violent crime was down by more than 5%, vehicle crime decreased by 14% and burglaries fell by 8.3%.

However drug offences increased by 11%, from 995 to 1,100. Suffolk Police claimed that was due to its "pro-active approach" to catching dealers.

Gary Kitching, Suffolk Police assistant chief constable, said the figures were "extremely encouraging".

He said: "The first six months of this year have seen 305 fewer violent offences, a reduction of 71 homes broken into and burgled, and 379 fewer vehicles crimes."

The Suffolk Police figures show that the overall detection rate of crimes improved by 4% to 33.55% during the six months from April to September compared to the same period last year.