Crime is amongst people’s greatest fears even though figures show it is clearly falling. High Peak is a low crime area. You are now less likely to be a victim of crime than at any time in the last 25 years. Even so, we are taking tough and necessary measures to combat crime.

Since 1997, all crime has fallen by nearly two-fifths, as measured independently by the British Crime Survey to the year ending March 2008. It shows that domestic burglary is down by more than half (55%), vehicle-related thefts down 57% and violent crime down 40%.

Burglary is particularly worrying as it strikes at the heart of people’s personal security. At difficult economic times there is a risk that it will increase. That is why a package of measures has been announced, including intensified police operations around the country to turn the tables on repeat burglars.

A free advice pack has been published for people concerned about becoming victims of burglary. It provides simple and practical advice on what you can do to prevent it. It includes discount vouchers for home security products from major DIY stores. For your free copy, please call 0800 456 1213.

There is also a new £6 million Safer Homes fund to pay for local handy-people to visit up to 45,000 homes of people who are likely to have the lowest level of home security. These include older people, students and people on low incomes. They will be given help and advice on security devices such as window locks.

Home insurers are helping by giving new advice on what home security measures householders can install to get the best deal from the insurance market.  

We stand shoulder to shoulder with local communities in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour. Talk of a ‘broken society’ is a counsel of despair.