Crime is down in most deprived areas of Bournemouth

West Howe and Kinson are safer than last year – but there’s a warning that police cuts could send rates back up.

PCSOs Sarah Playle and Andy Downs gave the figures to around 50 residents at the North Bournemouth Forum.

Their statistics compare 2010/11 with 2011/12.

l In West Howe, violence was down eight offences, robbery by 11, house burglary by 15 and criminal damage by 75. Only burglary of non-residential properties was up, by 11 offences.

l In Kinson, violence was down by 17 offences, robbery by six, house burglary by 11, criminal damage by 36, and non-residential burglary was down by 11.

l In Northbourne and Wallisdown, violence was down by 36 offences, robbery by six, house burglary by 18 and criminal damage by 80. Only burglary of non-residential properties had gone up, by only two offences.

Cllr Ben Grower, a Kinson South councillor, said: “A lot of it is down to the good work of the police officers.

“I think it shows it is wrong to cut the number of police in Dorset and because of that I don’t hold out hope for future figures.”

Dorset Police plans to cut 300 officers after the Olympics.

North Bournemouth Forum chairman Mike Goodhew said: “The police have a good team in this area and there are a lot of local groups who work together to feed them information.

“The police are around and about on the ground and people get used to seeing them.”

Kinson North and South, which take in the West Howe estate, include six ‘Super Output Areas’ which rank in the most deprived 20 per cent nationally.

Ted Taylor, chair of the Henry Browne Youth Centre in West Howe, said: “The youth clubs and the investment in new facilities in the area have made a big impact on crime rates.

“If we shut the door on funding, they could start going up again.”

Inspector Mike Claxton of North Bournemouth Police said: “This is the result of excellent work by local officers, and close work with our partners – though we cannot be complacent.”