Praise after crime drop

One of Cannock's top police officers has praised New Year and festive revellers for their good behaviour over recent weeks, with violent crimes and disorder down.

Inspector Mat Derrick, Neighbourhood Policing Commander, said problems were "exceptionally low."

He revealed there were only 12 incidents of violence and 15 incidents of rowdy behaviour between December 18 and yesterday, Tuesday January 2.

The trend appears to have been borne out in other towns too with Rugeley seeing only nine incidents of violence and Stafford having 20 incidents.

Inspector Derrick said the figures showed the majority of the public had celebrated Christmas and the New Year responsibly.

Throughout the Christmas and New Year period police officers were out in force in the town centre with increased patrols.

Inspector Derrick told the Express & Star: "From the figures we have got it is more evidence to me that that public of Cannock have behaved extremely well.

"There are always those individuals who spoil it for everyone else but they will be dealt with firmly and fairly. Throughout the period there was a total of seven assaults.

Dougie Wilkinson, chairman of the town's pubwatch scheme added his praise to partygoers. He said: "I think the pubs and clubs have all pulled together with the police to stop any troublemakers getting in anywhere."