PEOPLE'S fear of crime is often greater than the reality with Fareham considerably better off than other comparable towns across the country.

That's the conclusion of Fareham Community Safety Partnership and Crime Concern, a national crime prevention organisation.

They have worked together to collect Fareham's crime figures for the past three years and compared them to statistics for similar areas across the south including Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, Cheltenham, Gloucester and South Bedfordshire.

Fareham recorded the lowest rate of stolen cars, thefts from cars, burglaries, sexual offences and robberies.

However, as reported in the Daily Echo on Thursday the partnership's study into crime in Fareham showed a rise in violent crime, criminal damage, arson and anti-social behaviour over the past three years.

The council's crime and community safety panel heard yesterday (Monday) that CCTV and letters to parents of young trouble makers was making an impact.

Inspector Simon Wrigglesworth said police had sent out more than 150 letters to parents in Fareham this year - 50 more than last year.

In Park Gate police have sent out 225 letters to parents - 75 more than last year.

He added that CCTV cameras across the borough and particularly in Fareham town centre had pushed up their detection rates.

In September alone 22 people committing criminal damage were caught thanks to CCTV images.

Now the Community Safety Partnership is drawing up a list of priorities for its crime and disorder strategy 2002-2005 to help make Fareham a safer place to live.

Priorities include reducing burglary, criminal damage, vandalism, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, racially motivated crime and extending CCTV cameras.

To make a comment about the strategy write to Katie Knowles, Community Safety Officer at Fareham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7PR