An encouraging set of crime figures has been released showing an 8% fall in crime in Hounslow Borough over the 12 months to March.

Overall figures show that crime in London has fallen by almost 46,000 offences or 4.3 percent compared to last year.

The overall reduction is more significant - down 5.3% or 52,000 fewer crimes - if changes to police reported crime are taken into account. The introduction of new powers , such as issuing a fixed penalty notices often issued for an incident where violence and alcohol is involved, has led to an increase in the amount of reported violent crime in the capital. However in Hounslow, despite these changes, the number of offences of this kind has fallen.

Concerted activity on crime prevention appears to have paid dividends with a sharp fall in the number of burglaries particularly of commercial premises. The detection rate for burglaries also rose with 14.6% of crimes solved against a target of 14%. However although vehicle crime fell by 10% the detection rate was only 4.2%

Street crime fell by 13.2% and 17.7% of these offences were detected above the target of 14%.

Chief Inspector Andy Morgan said, "This reduction in crime in the Borough is contributing to making the streets safer for both residents and visitors alike. Whilst pleased with the results Hounslow Borough Police are not complacent, and will strive to continue the trend for year on year crime reduction. The continued support and assistance from Hounslow Borough residents cannot be over emphasized and will help us to achieve the crime reduction and detection targets set for the coming financial year."

The crime numbers for the borough contrast favourably with neighbouring Ealing which saw a sharp increase in violent crime.