POLICE are winning the war against crime on the streets of Hampshire – but Government cutbacks could put that at risk, it has been claimed.

Latest statistics released yesterday show we are safer on our streets, with a 12 per cent drop in the total number of crimes reported in the region in the last year.

According to the Home Office figures, the county beat the national trend, which has seen an eight per cent drop in crime levels overall in England and Wales.

Deputy Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, Andy Marsh, said: “Burglary fell by 16 per cent and criminal damage dropped by 23 per cent, which we are extremely proud of.”

The figures come just a day after massive cuts were announced to policing budgets which could lead to as many as 1,150 jobs at Hampshire Police being axed over the next four years.

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Kathy Symonds, secretary of Unison’s regional police branch, said: “In light of the proposed cuts to staffing levels, the chances are that the reductions in crime won’t continue.

With the best will in the world we cannot do what we’re doing now with a substantially reduced workforce.”

The body that represents rank and file officers in Hampshire also fears the effect of the cutbacks John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: “Unfortunately policing is no longer a priority of this Government and the cuts that we now face will inevitably lead to the excellent service we have tried to provide being reduced to an average service.

“It saddens me that we’re in this situation and I know that there will be a negative impact on future crime statistics.”

Even though Hampshire Constabulary came in the top 20 forces across England in most categories, police chiefs say it is no time for complacency.

The deputy chief constable added: “In these times of budget cuts and uncertainty, it is especially important that we are providing the public with an excellent service.

“We cannot become complacent and also need to address our position in relation to violent crime and drug offences.

“We currently have a forcewide campaign running to tackle violence and are concentrating more resources into this area.”