EXTRA police patrols funded by businesses have brought a sharp reduction in crime in Royston. Police believe the patrols, funded by the Royston First Business Improvement District company, have had a positive impact since they began on July 4, and new c

EXTRA police patrols funded by businesses have brought a sharp reduction in crime in Royston.

Police believe the patrols, funded by the Royston First Business Improvement District company, have had a "positive impact" since they began on July 4, and new crime figures appear to back this up, with overall crime in the town dropping by more than 25 per cent compared to this time last year.

Geoff Camp, chief inspector for North Herts, said: "These figures are extremely positive and the additional patrols being funded by Royston First have proved useful in helping to achieve these reductions.

"High visibility reassurance patrols are an important part of neighbourhood policing and officers have received some very positive feedback whilst out on patrol in the town centre and industrial estate.

The patrols involve two extra officers patrolling the town centre and industrial areas, and are designed to combat anti-social behaviour and burglary.

Whilst the patrols were being conducted throughout July, no violent crime or burglary offences were reported in the town centre, while there were also no incidents of youth-related anti-social behaviour.

The figures also show overall crime during the period April - July dropped by 26.6 per cent when compared to the same time in 2008. Burglary is down 59.5 per cent, with vehicle crime also being reduced by 31.6 per cent.

Chf Insp Camp said this proved the additional patrols are already "showing their worth".

He added: "Earlier this year I increased the establishment on the Royston Safer Neighbourhood Team so that each of the three wards - Heath, Meridian and Palace - have their own dedicated officer. However, like all public services police resources are limited. Royston First has provided me with the capacity to deploy more foot patrols in the town, more of the time.

"We are currently seeing some of the lowest levels of crime in Royston for some time. Furthermore, we have received some very positive feedback from businesses and residents alike about the additional reassurance the patrols have provided. I look forward to continuing reductions in offences and an even safer Royston."

Royston's town centre manager Geraint Burnell said Royston First is "naturally pleased" with the news.

He said: "We are encouraged that our patrols have been credited with impacting on levels of anti-social behaviour both early in the evenings and later on at turning-out time. This is obviously very positive for Royston First contributors working in the evening economy as a safe, well-ordered town encourages the use of restaurants and bars.

"I can confirm that the police have delivered on their promise to listen to our concerns and accept our priorities. We have, for instance, indicated that we would like the businesses not on the industrial estate or in the town centre to also benefit from increased security.

"When subsequently a working party member joined a patrol as an observer, he was able to report that Lumen Road and Lower Gower Road had been included in their sweep. In the future we expect to make further changes in accordance with needs as they arise.