The Upper East Regional police recorded 1,843 criminal cases in 2011 as against 2,355 cases in 2010 representing a reduction of 21.74 per cent.

District Commissioner Of Police (DCOP) Bright Oduro, Upper East Regional Police Commander made this known at an annual get together of senior police officers and their rank and file known as WASSA in Bolgatanga.

The Police Commander said out of the 1,843 criminal cases, the Bolgatanga Municipality recorded 77 cases of motor bike theft, 11 on robbery and 14 cases of break-in between April and December 2011.

He said the diligent performance of the Police led to the arrest of some criminals, among them was the notorious Bukari Salifu, identified in separate robberies within the Municipality.

He said patrols in areas considered vulnerable to crimes as well as the cooperation of the public, who provided information to the police, led to the arrest of the criminals and curbing of criminal activities.

DCOP Oduro assured the general public of peace in the area, saying the region had enjoyed a relative peace and calm as a result of cooperation between the police, sister security services, media and the Regional Coordinating Council and also the general public.

He extended a hand of gratitude to the people of Bawku for contributing to the peace and stability in the area and hoped to see an improvement in the situation this year.

DCOP Oduro however expressed his displeasure about the increase in motor traffic accidents in the region, which he said had increased to 137 cases, adding that, motor bike accidents were becoming rampant and advised riders to wear crash helmets.

He said the police administration was unable to post more policemen to the region because of the lack of accommodation and appealed to the Regional Coordinating Council to consider constructing housing units for the Police, to enable more personnel to be sent to the area to help the maintenance of peace and security in the Municipality.

He said the police in the Region were up to the task of maintaining maximum security and peace during the Biometric registration and the 2012 elections.**