Recorded crime down 3.9% in Cheshire

The latest crime statistics released from the Office of National Statistics show that crime continues to fall in Cheshire, with the county recording the 6th largest reduction in crime across England and Wales.

Figures released yesterday (23rd April 2015) for the 12 months ending December 2014 show an overall reduction in crime of 3.9% compared to the previous 12 months.

Acquisitive crimes such as theft, robbery, burglary and shoplifting continue to fall, whilst the number of violence against the person offences and sexual offences have risen, which has been attributed to the increasing confidence shown by victims to come forward and report these crimes.

Deputy Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: "We recently published the financial year end statistics which showed that crime in the county is down by nearly 5% (up to the end March 2015) and is at its lowest rate since the early 1990′s.

"However, crime statistics are only part of the picture and the Constabulary is continuing to tackle crime with a number of new and large scale operations such as Operation Hatay and Crossbow - two high profile operations which targeted both wanted offenders and those using the county′s roads to commit crime."

Figures released yesterday showed recorded crime by offences for the Year to December 2014, with (in brackets) the percentage changes when comparing the year to December 2014 with the year to December 2013.

10,965 violence against the person offences (+6), 1115 sexual offences (+25), 264 robberies (-11), 25,995 theft offences (-10), 6,279 burglaries (-11), 4,700 vehicles offences (-12), 1,076 thefts from the person (-12), 1553 bicycle thefts (-2), 6,400 shoplifting offences (-4), 8,583 criminal damage and arson offences (-8), 2,734 drug offences (+5), 271 possession of weapon offences (+5) and 2,207 public order offences (+10).

"Overall, these latest results show that the proactive approach to policing taken by the Constabulary does work and combined with the We′re Here commitments reinforces our commitment to the community and keeping those who live and work in Cheshire safe", said Deputy Chief Constable Janette McCormick.

John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire said, "My verdict of the Constabulary′s performance, following the latest statistics from the ONS and on the Constabulary′s own data released at the beginning of this month, is that the Constabulary is performing well, it is doing more to tackle the crimes that the public tell me matter to them most and that they wanted the police to do more about. The 3.9% fall in crime is a stark figure but it actually means 2171 fewer victims of crime.

"The Constabulary has taken positive steps and introduced initiatives which target offenders but also assist the public in keeping themselves safe. By working with the public, the police can make a significant impact on people′s lives for the better and I am delighted that crime continues to fall."