Figures released today by the British Crime Survey again show a decrease of 6% in recorded crime across Cheshire. This means there are over 3,700 fewer victims of crime compared to the same period last year.
The figures reflect the period between December 2010 and the end of 2011. One of the most dramatic decreases is in recorded violent crime which has fallen by 11%, which is a greater reduction in violence than any of our neighbouring forces within the North West region.
The Constabulary continues to build on its previous success of reducing the number of victims of burglary. There were 298 fewer victims of residential burglary than in the same period last year, a fall of 8%. The Constabulary remain committed to identifying and bringing to justice those prolific offenders who are responsible for committing a significant proportion of the burglaries reported.
Car owners will be pleased to learn that car crime has fallen by 11% and there are almost 700 fewer offences overall.
Speaking after the release of today′s figures Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie said "The figures released today are encouraging in that the communities of Cheshire can see that crime is falling and Cheshire remains a safe place to live, work and visit. From a policing perspective, it helps us understand where we need to focus our resources on any emerging trends and help us not only to detect crime, but to prevent crime from being committed where we can."
She continued "The reduction in violent crime, particularly in our busier towns and cities such as Warrington and Chester, is particularly pleasing. One of the key factors in this success is the multi agency work alongside our partner agencies and the increased use of CCTV. This means that volatile situations can be identified early, allowing officers to intervene before an incident escalates into violence. Keeping the people of Cheshire safe is our priority and working smarter together has helped us achieve the results we have seen today."
The launch of the Constabulary′s Dedicated Rape Unit last autumn means that more victims of rape and serious sexual offences have come forward to the police, resulting in more perpetrators of sex crimes being brought before the courts. This focused police activity has resulted in an increase in the number of sexual offences recorded by 8%.
Drug offences remain the only other type of crime which has seen an increase in 5%, and this is the direct result of a number of arrests and convictions involving the dismantling of significant organised crime groups. Cheshire Police continue to work with residents to identify drug dealers who are a blight on the community and to put them behind bars.
ACC Purdie continued "We are in the midst of challenging times for policing and work within increasing financial restraints. Although today′s figures are encouraging, the Constabulary is by no means complacent. New ways of working smarter and more effectively, with the needs of the victim foremost in our minds, are underway to ensure that crime continues to fall, offenders are brought to justice, and residents of Cheshire can continue to have confidence in their local police"
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