REPORTED crime has fallen on the east side of Kidderminster, according to new police figures.

Targeted policing and effective partnership working have contributed to the drop in reported crimes from 312 in April last year to 170 for the same period this year.

Beat manager, PC Bob Fearnall, said sharing information and gathering intelligence about problem areas had helped bring about the improvement.

Targeting known persistent offenders had also played a part in reducing offences brought to the attention of the police.

Kidderminster East covers Horsefair, Broadwaters, Spennells, Greenhill, Aggborough, Offmore, Chaddesley Corbett, Stone and Broome.

"We have gathered information from the contacts we have on the estates and we have developed extremely good relationships with the Neighbourhood Watches," explained PC Fearnall.

"Whenever we have problems in a particular area the local officers contact the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators and they pass on the information. I also send out e-mails."

He added: "For example, if there is an increase in car crime in a particular area, we will target that area. We will warn residents about the problem and ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent themselves from becoming victims.

"My team will also patrol the area at key times."

PC Fearnall said that a Section 30 dispersal order placed on the Warbler Place and George Street areas - stopping people congregating in designated locations - had been successful and more were planned for the future.

"Anti-social behaviour orders have also been placed on two individuals," he added.

"We are really pleased with the reduction in crime on Kidderminster East and we want it to continue to fall," he said.

"It's all about working together, gathering and sharing information and targeting problems where and when they arise."