CHRISTMAS and New Year celebrations went off without a bang after police figures show a drop in crime compared to previous years.
Their data showed the number of burglaries in December 2015 almost halved compared to December 2014, falling from 24 to 13, while cases of shoplifting dropped by six offences in Redditch.
The fall has been so dramatic officers took the time to thank residents throughout the county for their co-operation after their busiest night of the year, 7pm on December 31 until 7am on January 1, turned out to be nearly seven per cent quieter than 2014.
This was despite them receiving their handlers answering a call every 56 seconds between 1am and 2am.
Police Inspector for Redditch Darren Webster said: “This holiday has been quieter than previous years and this could be due to a number of reasons.
“The weather does have an impact but it also could be that we have targeting the right criminals and got the right people in prison.
“New Year did see a drop in crime which is great. Everyone in Redditch seemed to be in good spirits.”
His colleague Chief Inspector Sean Kent said: “The reduction in 999 calls meant those genuinely in emergency situations were able to speak to someone as quickly as possible and get the help they required.
“I would continue to ask the public to think carefully about whether 999 is the correct service for their needs.”
