Sgt Ian Kennett from Burnham Police, on his last day before retiring, revealed the latest drop in crime during a speech at this week’s town council meeting.
“Crime is down 12 per cent over the year in Burnham and Highbridge – a big fall – and we’ve seen a further reduction of around 14% on incidents year-on-year since April,” he said.
“Our detection rate – the proportion of recorded offences that are solved by police – has also reached 45 per cent which is unprecedented.”
He added that one of the key reasons behind the reduction has been Burnham police’s ongoing “war” against those involved in drug dealing and cultivation.
“Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of drugs have been seized across our area in the past year, leading to many successful convictions. This is significant because drugs are often the reason for many crimes,” he said.
“Burnham and Highbridge are far safer places now than when I started this job 14 years ago. I feel I’m leaving it as a safe place and with a great team in place to continue the work.”
Mayor Martin Cox and town councillors thanked him for his work fighting local crime. Cllr Cox said: “I would like to thank you on behalf of the Town Council for all you have done over the past 14 years – it is appreciated by residents.”
Cllr Neville Jones added: “You have been part of a visible ‘ring of steel’ around Burnham which has no doubt detered many criminals over the years. We thank you for all you have done.”
He and Inspector Roger Tolley – who was also thanked by the Mayor at a separate event last month – have retired over the past fortnight, as Burnham-On-Sea.com recently featured here.
Pictured: Mayor Martin Cox and Sgt Ian Kennett at this week’s meeting
