Recorded crime falls 6.3% in Cheshire East

The latest statistics show that crime has fallen once again across Cheshire East.

Cheshire Police recorded 18,968 crimes from October 2010 to September 2011, compared with 20,241 crimes in the previous year.

This represents a drop in crimes of 6.3% across Cheshire Police's Eastern Division which mirrors the boundaries of Cheshire East Council.

There were 344 fewer victims of burglary (12% drop) according to statistics published last week. Violence against the person was down 3%, with 129 fewer victims, and there were 288 fewer victims of car crime (down 16%).

However, Cheshire East has seen a 26% increase in the number of robberies, up from 73 to 92 offences.

Eastern Area Superintendent Andy Marsden said: "We have noticed a rise in robbery in the Crewe area and in particular within the Polish community. We have been doing a lot of work with the Polish community in relation to increasing their confidence in reporting crimes to us. As a result we have made arrests and there a number of people on police bail. We are continuing to tackle the issue through prevention advice and by bringing offenders to justice.

"A sharp rise has also been encountered in relation to robberies at business premises with small business such as Betting Shops and Off Licences being targeted. These are vulnerable in that they may not possess the resources to provide CCTV or complicated banking security. Neighbourhood teams are identifying such premises and discussing ways to reduce vulnerability and make their premises less appealing to those responsible for these crimes.

"Other offences in this category include shoplifting offences which turn into violent episodes as a result of challenges by proprietors or other customers. The advice from police is that personal safety is paramount when confronted by these situations."

Cheshire East has also seen a 1% increase in sexual offences, with two more victims and a 9% increase in drug offences, up from 714 incidents to 779.

Superintendent Andy Marsden said; "We have done a lot over the years to tackle drugs in the community and the public have been helping us fantastically by giving us information that has helped us to make some significant arrests and convictions. We are continuing to work with residents to identify drug dealers who are a blight on the community and to put them behind bars. We would like to thank members of the public for their help so far and hope they will continue to help us in our fight against drugs."