Latest figures show Cheshire Police are winning the fight against crime

Jan 26 2012 Chester Chronicle

POLICE have hailed a decline in crime across the board in Cheshire in 2011.

All types of crime except drug offences saw decreases of up to 17% during the period from September 2010 to September 2011.

In welcome news for homeowners, recorded burglaries dipped 17% and there were 794 fewer victims, according to statistics published on Thursday.

There have been 5,283 fewer victims of crime overall compared to the previous year, representing an 8% fall.

Violence against the person is down 14%, with 1,828 fewer victims, and, despite a 4% rise across England and Wales, Cheshire has seen a 14% drop in robberies, with 347 victims, compared to 403 in the previous 12 months.

There were also nearly 1,000 fewer victims of car crime, down 14%, while criminal damage was down 11% and sexual offences experienced a 9% fall.

Cheshire Constabulary claims a 4% rise in recorded drug crime to 3,441 is down to its proactive activity targeting those involved in drug use and supply. Drug crime across England and Wales fell by 1%.

The county failed to keep pace with the rest of the country’s reduction in fraud and forgery offences. With 2,093 instances, there were only 41 less than the previous year, a 2% decline, which fell behind the 5% decrease in England and Wales.

Western Area crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Paul Beauchamp said: “We are delighted to have once again achieved a reduction in those crimes that can have a devastating impact upon the victim, particularly serious assault and house burglaries. We work hard to deploy our resources in ways they can be most effective to achieve these results.

“Collaborative working with our partner agencies such as the probation service is vital in identifying and bringing to justice those prolific offenders who make up a significant percentage of crime committed.

“Our priority is to ensure the residential and business communities of West Cheshire are kept safe and feel safe.

“Although we are pleased with the findings of the British Crime Survey, we want to build on our success and remain committed to achieving reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour in 2012. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of my officers and staff across the western area who have helped achieve our success.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie said: “I hope the communities of Cheshire are pleased to see that crime continues to fall across the county but it is important they know we will never become complacent and it is vital people actually feel safe and confident in the police.

“Working with our partner agencies, we will continue to ensure that victims are given the help and support they need and we strive toward our ultimate aim of reducing reoffending.

“Although it remains an encouraging picture for Cheshire, there is always work to be done and we welcome feedback from the public in order to understand what is important to them and how we can improve.

“There are still more challenging times ahead for the police service and we are committed to delivering the best possible service for the communities of Cheshire while identifying areas where we can work more efficiently and effectively.”