Attacks on police officers In Croydon have dropped by more than half in the past four years.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that in the financial year of 2003-2004 there were 190 attacks on police officers, in 2007 to 2008 there was only 90.

Despite Croydon town centre being the scene of a mini-riot in August and its reputation for being a no-go area after dark, officers are less frequently coming under attack from members of the public.

Inspector Simon Ellingham for the town centre police unit said: “Assaults on police officers are still a matter of concern. A recent drop in the number of offences against officers is encouraging, and may be attributable to a number of factors. Consistent and regular training in officer safety techniques, conflict resolution and use of appropriate restraining equipment all provide some measure of protection for officers, and the number of assaults has dropped dramatically in the past 12 months.

“However, an officer's guard must never be lowered, and even the most harmless of situations has been known to suddenly escalate into one of violent confrontation, as the recent incident involving litter demonstrates. Assaults leads to injuries, and sick officers recuperating at home or even hospital are of little use in the efforts to reduce crime.”