A new scheme to reduce crime in parts of Swansea has seen a dramatic fall in offences.

The initiative has reduced the house burglary rate in the Townhill and Mayhill areas of the city by 54%.

If we can stop re-offences then we can prevent a lot of burglaries

Inspector Bill John

South Wales Police and local authority officials have been working together to identify vulnerable victims and help them protect their properties.

The area of north Townhill has seen a 67% reduction in break-ins.

The Crime Reduction Officer, PC Wayne Collinson has been visiting victims of burglary and implementing a fast-track scheme to help them.

He said:"We've formed a partnership under the crime disorder act and created a working relationship with the local authority which we didn't have before.

"When someone was burgled and had their windows smashed, then they would be boarded up and it would take up to three months to sort things out.

"Now it's done within two days.

Damage caused by burglars is repaired quickly

"We found a lot of people wouldn't stay within the area because of the crime rate so we had a transient population.

"People seem to be more comfortable in their surroundings which also helps."

The police say helping victims does reduce the crime rate.

Inspector Bill John said the number of offences fell from 84 to 41 over a one year period.

Prevention

He said: "People who have been burgled are more likely to be the victims of another burglary.

"So if we can stop re-offences then we can prevent a lot of burglaries from happening.

"This shows what can be done with co-operation.

"It's about giving positive help to those who are victims of burglary or are likely to be."

The initiative primarily covers people in local authority accommodation but has been extended further to help others in the community.