CRIMINALS in West Somerset have more chance of being brought to justice than anywhere else in the Avon and Somerset police area as the district has been shown to have the highest detection rate of offences force-wide. Figures released this week reveal that over the past eight months officers in the Minehead sector have detected just over 27 per cent of all crime - beating neighbouring Taunton into second place - and have smashed Government targets for clear-up rates in all categories of offences. The national target for detection of crime overall is currently set at 20 per cent. In addition, violent crime in West Somerset is down by 18 per cent over the same period, meaning there have been 67 fewer victims of assaults and similar offences. The most serious assaults have seen the greatest reduction with just one in the last nine months, compared to seven at the same time last year. The detection rate for violent crime stands at 42 per cent, again the highest in the force area. Inspector Nic Crocker, who has headed up the Minehead sector since the retirement of Inspector Keith Bridges in the summer, said he was now hoping to end the year on a high with a peaceful Christmas across West Somerset. "These are pleasing figures," said Inspector Crocker who praised the work of offices and police staff on the sector, as well as partners from the West Somerset Crime Disorder Reduction Partnership. "All crime is important and can impact significantly on people, however, violent crime can have among the most dramatic effects. "Bringing violent offenders to justice can be difficult, especially when public violence is often anonymous. "This makes this clear-up rate even more pleasing." Inspector Crocker said the police and the crime disorder reduction partnership were working closer than ever with licensees, Minehead Town Council and West Somerset District Council to make the area safer for residents and tourists alike and this was the way forward in 2006 to maintain a safer community. And he said that although alcohol was often linked to violence the impact of the new licensing laws had not produced the increased violence feared. "Responsible licensees can have the most important part to play in this process. "The police will always monitor activities but maintaining safety through approved door staff and ensuring there are not too many people in a venue helps ensure safety for the public. "I have an excellent working relationship with the new licensing panel and am grateful for their support. "District council officers have worked tirelessly to get this right and they should be congratulated." But Inspector Crocker warned against complacency as the build-up to Christmas reached its peak this week and insisted there would be no festive truce for offenders. "It is supposed to be the season of goodwill and I hope the public will have high spirits but not too many spirits!" he said. "We would remind people that Minehead has excellent CCTV facilities, as do late-night premises, and we will be maintaining a significant presence to ensure those who are disorderly pay the price." Levels of other crimes are also following the downward trend. Since November domestic burglary across the Minehead sector has dropped after an increase earlier in the autumn. There have been a total of 72 burglaries in West Somerset since April, a rise of six on the previous year to date. However, a number of local people have been arrested and whilst enquiries are continuing into a number of offences, police have cleared up 51 per cent of crimes in this category, which Inspector Crocker said was due to "solid hard work" by his officers and detectives. Vehicle crime has also shown reductions in recent months and following a spate of vehicle thefts three juveniles have been arrested and dealt with by the courts. "On average we get one car stolen a week in West Somerset, so car thieves beware - we will catch up with you," said Inspector Crocker. "We will continue to be relentless on those who would commit crime against the public. "There will no Christmas truce for offenders. If you steal or deal in drugs look behind you. We will bring you to justice."