CRIMES in the Ottery parish plummeted by 20per cent in the last year.

CRIMES in the Ottery parish plummeted by 20per cent in the last year.

Reported incidents in Ottery, West Hill, Tipton St John and Wiggaton are showing a downward trend, say police, who believe speeding motorists are residents' biggest concern.

From March 31 2009 to April 1 2010, 168 crimes were recorded in the area, an average of one incident every two days.

Two-hundred and one crimes were reported the previous year, and 281 recorded between 2007 and 2008.

Ottery officers want to improve 'customer satisfaction' rates, which dropped to 82 per cent, by continuing to spend more time walking the beat.

"People want to see more of us," neighbourhood beat manager PC Phil Thomas told the Herald, adding: "There won't be more of us, that's for sure. However, the town is seeing more of us.

"I believe PCSO Maria Clapp, Sergeant Simon Tennant and I are being seen around town much more, and at key times when people are going about their business when we can capture their concerns and act upon them.

"The community is telling us its main concern is speeding."

PC Thomas said officers will continue a crackdown on irresponsible drivers with speed checks and other initiatives.

Last Wednesday a Mill Street sting saw four drivers handed fines for not wearing seatbelts.

"We continue to strive to make the Ottery area a very pleasant place to live," said PC Thomas.