That was the reaction of Cleveland Police Authority Chair Councillor Dave McLuckie to the news that recorded crime in the Force area fell by a massive 17.3 per cent in the financial year to the end of March...more than double the target figure.
The overall crime figure for the year stood at 55,094 -- down by 11,552 on the previous 12 months. Every category of crime showed reductions...violent crime was down by 16.8 per cent, vehicle crime fell by 24.1 per cent and acquisitive crime, which includes burglaries, fell by 21.7 per cent. Overall detection rates rose by 4.5 per cent.
The figures were announced as the Authority and Force launched the new Cleveland air support unit, which has come into operation following the decision by Durham and Northumbria police authorities to withdraw from a regional consortium.
Said Councillor McLuckie "This really is an important day for the Authority, the Force and especially the public we serve because it shows again that we are making great strides forward in tackling crime and disorder, making people safer on their streets and in their homes...and we are determined to do even better in the future.
"What matters most is that, thanks to the efforts of every officer, every member of police staff -- and the many partners we work with -- there have been approaching twelve thousand fewer victims of crime in the past year. Our target for cutting crime was eight per cent -- and we have more than doubled that.
"We certainly don't intend to rest on our laurels and as an Authority we will continue our commitment to driving down crime by putting resources where they matter -- into front-line policing and providing our officers, community support officers and staff with the best facilities and the best equipment to do the job...including, of course, our own dedicated air support unit."
Commented Deputy Chief Constable Derek Bonnard "The fact that overall crime is down by 17.3% over the year is truly down to the hard work of both our officers and staff, supported by members of the public.
"We do acknowledge that things are difficult at the moment in the current climate and this may present a number of policing challenges over the coming months.
"But Cleveland Police is about Putting People First and we are firmly committed to listening to the needs of our communities, working with them to set local policing priorities and feed back to neighbourhoods the action we have taken on the issues raised.
"The recent British Crime Survey showed the Force as being top of the country when it comes to public confidence and we will work hard to maintain that position.
"We aren't complacent though, and will continue to work with communities and other partner agencies to continue these reductions and make people feel safe in their neighbourhoods."