Violent crime in Chippenham has fallen during the last six months thanks to proactive policing and CCTV, according to one high-ranking officer.

The latest crime statistics show that violent incidents in the north Wiltshire town have fallen from 289 to 238 from April to September, when compared with the same six month period last year, with detection rates increasing by 20 per cent.

Calne has also fared well according to the statistics with reported incidents of criminal damage, one of the main issues in the town, falling from 181 to 134.

Inspector Gavin Williams of Chippenham police said the use of a dispersal order and an alcohol free zone in Calne have dramatically improved the situation in the town.

While in Chippenham, he said visible foot patrols and a good relationship with pubs and clubs had helped clamp down on violent offenders.

Insp Williams said: "In Calne the drinking ban has meant that we can take alcohol from youths within the area and then dispose of it."

The dispersal order gives officers power to move groups of youths on and ban them from returning to the area, while the alcohol free zones, which have helped with reduce crime, cover areas including London Road, Anchor Road, Church Street, Stokes Croft and North Street.

Insp Williams said much of the crime in Chippenham happens around the town's nightlife.

But he said the police had moved their patrols to earlier on in the evening and dealt with offenders before they were able to cause problems late at night.

He explained that by doing this, police were one step ahead of crime and controlling it before it was able to get out of hand.

Police have worked closely with the Pubwatch scheme and spent time speaking to door supervisors.

He said: "CCTV has helped us a great deal.

"We have been able to ask those monitoring it to keep an eye out for people and they have also been able to report things directly to us."

Insp Williams said he is convinced Chippenham remains a safe town.

He said: "It is not a dangerous place at all to live, work or visit."