SERIOUS crime in Altrincham town centre has dropped by 45 per cent in the past six months.

Between March and August 2011 there were 11 incidents of serious violent crime compared to 17 in the six months previously, between September 2010 and February 2011.

The number of incidents of anti-social behaviour also fell by 13 per cent during the same period, from 55 to 48.

The reductions in crime come after police launched Operation Aristocrat in March 2011 in response to concerns raised by residents that Altrincham town centre was not a safe place to visit and socialise.

The operation, included undercover and high visibility patrols in the town centre during evenings and weekends.

Officers also visited licensed premises, spoke to licensees and placed problem premises on action plans, encouraging them to improve security and introduce crime prevention measures.

Inspector Clark Bowers, from the Altrincham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the drop in crime showed that police were ‘moving in the right direction’.

“I can assure members of the public that we are determined and committed to drive these figures down even further over the coming months.

“We will continue to review the licences of problem premises and will use a range of disruption tactics to ensure that people can enjoy our town centre in safety.”

To contact the Altrincham NPT, call 0161 856 7530 or email Altrincham.area@gmp.police.uk To report crime call 0161 872 5050 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.