FIGURES released by the Home Office show the number of crimes reported to the police fell during the summer months.
In Cheshire, nearly half the different categories of crime showed reductions of more than 10%.
The public in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington was safer and experienced less crime than people elsewhere in the country. The number of crimes reported in Cheshire fell by 8% during the summer compared to 3% nationally. This equates to nearly 2,000 fewer victims of crime in Cheshire.
Following rises in violent crime identified during the early part of last year, the Constabulary’s operational approach to violent crime achieved a reduction of more than 10%, bucking the national trend which rose by 1% during the summer.
There were 625 fewer violent crimes reported in Cheshire, with figures reducing from 5,724 offences to 5,099.
Assistant Chief Constable David Baines said: “The improvements in our performance during the summer can be attributed to the hard work and professionalism of our officers and staff.
“Fewer victims and less violence is evidence our tactics are heading in the right direction. I would like to reassure communities we will continue our efforts to bring down crime by targeting those who strike fear into the heart of our communities.
“The fall in the number of crimes recorded is not confined to crimes against an individual. Property and vehicle crime also fell significantly in Cheshire. In addition the number of offences involving drugs fell by 15% in contrast to the national average which shows an increase of 9%.
“Figures show we are heading in the right direction but it is important for the public to recognise the figures provide a snapshot both nationally and locally during the summer months. Early indications are our performance continued to improve during autumn.”
