A police chief has told residents in a town "gripped" by fear of crime that they are living in the safest part of the district.

Acting Supt Martin Jordan told members of Silsden Town Council: "Public perception of crime is very high and people feel vulnerable -- but if I was going to live anywhere in this area I would choose to live here."

Acting Supt Jordan, who lives in the Bingley area, tried to reassure councillors that the town was one of the areas least affected by current crime trends.

He spoke out after councillors challenged him about the efficiency of current policing and the fear of crime in the town.

Councillor Tom Chiltern said: "A recent survey of 1,154 people shows that 78 per cent of people believe that police coverage in Silsden is poor. Over 80 per cent of people surveyed believe that greater police presence is required.

"The results of the survey will be made public shortly."

Cllr Chiltern went on to say that although the figures of reported crime were falling, other problems that were not recorded -- such as nuisance behaviour -- were creating fear among residents.

Acting Supt Jordan said: "We have 43 villages in the area that would love extra police officers, but we can't afford that luxury.

"We are having to go out and actively look for additional funding -- we are in an enterprise state at the moment.

"If I lived in Silsden I would feel safer than anywhere else in this district. The amount of crime reported to us is negligible, although for anyone who suffers it's one crime too many.

"Silsden is probably the least affected by current crime trends of anywhere you hear about in West Yorkshire."

Mayor Cllr Lawrence Walton cited some incidents where the police had allegedly been unhelpful to Silsden residents.

Acting Supt Jordan said: "We are here as guests and not to be bombarded, scapegoated or ridiculed. I expect a degree of respect.

"We have got to maximise our effectiveness, and if there is a problem in Silsden then we concentrate on Silsden. We regularly get letters from members of the public saying they are reassured.

"We can't always give people what they want. I recognise in the room there is a lot of frustration, I recognise there is a lot of passion, I would rather you were like that than stable people.

"Please continue to be passionate, continue to fight your cause."

PC Craig Stothers told the meeting that recorded crimes in the town during December had fallen from 47 in 2001 to 33 in 2002.

He said: "Vehicle crime has been the main reduction and has fallen from 23 to 15."

Cllr Chris Atkinson said: "But there are people in this town who are terrified -- they are old and they are disabled and they are scared to go out."

Acting Supt Jordan said: "If somebody reports a crime then it's recorded. We have moved into a new era of crime recording.

"The statistics are as accurate as we are going to get them.

"The only way the police can possibly respond is for members of the public to ring us and tell us about it."