Figures show three of the safest places in Ryedale (From Gazette & Herald)

Figures show three of the safest places in Ryedale

HELMSLEY, Ampleforth and Oswaldkirk are among the safest places to live in Ryedale, according to the latest crime figures.

At the community and police meeting in Helmsley Town Hall on Tuesday night, it was reported that from September 1 to February 1 there were only 57 recorded crimes.

Among these, burglary and theft account for more than half.

These figures are slightly higher than for the same period last year, but the detection rate has also risen. Nearly a quarter of all the crimes committed have been solved.

Local area police Commander Sgt Cliff Edens said: "Even with reduced staffing levels we have achieved an increased detection rate. It's still one of the safest places to live, having only one crime every 2.68 days."

But, he said, that doesn't sit well with those who have been the victims of crime.

"There still appears to be a reluctance to phoning in and reporting suspicious people and cars.

"I urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to phone in and let the police know."

He said if as many details as possible were gathered about the suspicious vehicle or person it could be a small but important piece of information that the police are looking for.

"Don't feel that you are wasting our time as you may hold a vital piece of information.

At the meeting, concerns were raised over the staffing levels, the crime desk and the reporting of crimes. The crime desk is where people ring in and report crimes, the crime desk then decides whether an officer should be sent out.

Concerns were raised that if the police were trying to improve public image then shouldn't an officer be sent out to the vast majority of crimes?

Sgt Edens said: "What I really want to do is raise public confidence in the police. I appreciate it has fallen and something we need to do is raise that confidence.

"Once we are back up to full manpower strength we'll be able to push officers into the community so they are proactive rather than just reactive."

Sgt Edens praised the work of Oswaldkirk Neighbourhood watch for their quick action in helping to catch a burglar, who has subsequently been jailed.

The meeting agreed unanimously that the chairman should convey concerns about the level of growing bureaucracy that the police authority are trying to impose on the CAP group meetings.

Everyone agreed the meetings should remain informal and informative.

If any villages or communities want information about starting up a Neighbourhood Watch, they should contact Sgt Edens on (01723) 509512.

Updated: 15:05 Thursday, February 08, 2001