An enhancement project has helped cut crime in an area of Northampton by more than a third, according to police. Officers said the CASPAR (Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Partnership) scheme has helped reduced crime in Semilong by about 41%.
The project has overseen installation of CCTV cameras and fences around flats at Alliston Gardens.
Northamptonshire Police said between August 2003 and August 2004 the number of crimes dropped from 876 to 511.
They said robberies had fallen by 63% from 74 to 27, violent crime was down 49% from 105 to 54 and thefts from vehicles were down 41% from 152 to 90.
The scheme has also been operating at the Cooper Street flats in Spring Boroughs where Northampton Borough Council has reported a 20% drop in repair bills caused by vandalism.
Sgt Mark McDonnell, CASPAR manager, said he was delighted with the figures since the introduction of fencing and CCTV.
He added: "We are keeping a careful watch on the two areas where drug dealers and other criminals are being forced out."
Police and residents were to celebrate the success with a party at the Alliston Gardens Community Centre in Semilong on Tuesday.
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