Councillor Paul Singh, Conservative Councillor for Penn, said that more police patrols were behind the drop. "The greater police presence locally has presented a better deterrent against potential criminal activity."
Councillor Singh urged local residents to remain vigilant for their properties but also to keep an eye out for potential rogue traders. "The coming of spring usually does see an increase in the number of people knocking doors and apparently offering services like drive-laying, or repairs to fences if they are blown down in high winds. Local residents need to ensure that, if they do have work done on their properties, it is done by properly accredited contractors and craftspeople.
"Websites like actionfraud.police.uk and noroguetradershere.com, which is run by the Council in collaboration with Birmingham and Solihull, can help to keep people safe."