CRIME rates in Pewsey in the last year are on a par with the previous year, the annual parish meeting heard.

In a written report, Sgt Coppen said: "Crime is following the same broad pattern as last year with a slight rise in the number of reported crimes. However, this must be seen within the context of an 18 per cent fall the previous year."

He said violent crime had dropped to 82 per cent of the 2000/01 level with 33 reported offences, while the number of domestic burglaries was the same at 25.

Although car crime increased with 105 reported offences compared with 69 for the previous year, he said two factors had been important. "Foot and mouth drastically reduced the number of beauty spot type offences in 2000/2001 and, secondly, 24 of the 105 total were detected thefts of car badges."

He said detection rates for crimes remained at about 30 per cent.

However, there had been few incidents of public disorder which officers were working to eliminate with local initiatives involving targeting certain localities and events.

Sgt Coppen said: "Police in Pewsey are fortunate in that we continue to enjoy a good relationship with all our parish councils. This year a parishes' consultative meeting has been established with a view to resolving any problems in particular parishes."

Police are also encouraging the setting-up of Neighbourhood Watch schemes and have introduced a watch scheme in pubs in the area.