THE MAN in charge of the Fareham and Gosport police's Basic Command Unit has hailed it a success after burglary rates fell by nearly 50 per cent in two months.

Set up in April following the merger of the former police divisions of Gosport and Fareham, the BCU has also reported a 36 per cent fall in vehicle crime and a 28 per cent drop in the number of robberies.

Commander of the BCU, Supt Graham Haycock said: "Some new teams were put in place for the launch of the new BCU, including a vehicle crime team, a pro-active unit, a burglary squad and a community safety unit. The introduction of these have contributed to the good results.

"I look forward to seeing the trend continue."

Much of the dramatic drop has been due to police arresting some key suspects.

In May, the dedicated vehicle crime team arrested two men in connection with 24 vehicle crimes in the Knowle village and Bishop's Waltham areas.

Another man was arrested for six offences of theft from motor vehicles in Gosport and he has since joined the Peninsular Project, a multi-agency initiative that aims to divert Gosport drug users away from crime.

Two men were detained on vehicle crime, in Gosport and Bridgemary.

The team has also arrested five people for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

One was a persistent offender and one had cocaine with a street value of £7,000 to £10,000 seized.

Two further people have been arrested in connection with possession of Class A drugs.

Supt Haycock believes the recent success has been due to the bigger policing area that can result in greater efficiency and more officer time spent on the beat.

The senior officer said: "It has had great success and boasts a 63 per cent detection rate for domestic burglary, which is the highest in the force."