County’s crime figures in 12% decrease

THE number of crimes recorded in Cheshire fell by nearly 12% last year, compared to the national figure of 9%, according the latest Home Office statistics.

Nationally, there has been a 16% reduction in robbery and in Cheshire, robberies fell by 17%.

Domestic burglaries continue to fall, exceeding the reductions nationally by 9%.

Offences of violence against the person offences have fallen by 13% in Cheshire compared to only 8% nationally.

The number of sexual offences recorded in Cheshire fell by twice the national average, with a 14% reduction being achieved compared to 7% nationally.

Criminal damage also reduced in Cheshire, falling by 15% compared to 13% nationally.

The number of overall crimes recorded involving knives in Cheshire is lower than the national average and the county force was able to detect 60% of those offences involving violence against a person that occur in the area.

Nationally, the knife crime rate is 0.41 per thousand head of population, whereas in Cheshire it is 0.22.

Deputy chief constable Graeme Gerrard said: “In Cheshire, there is no evidence to suggest that we have a problem with our young people carrying knives or that we have a culture where gang violence is a problem.

“In fact, the evidence suggests that it is adults up to age of 30, who are using blades and knives to commit offences.

“In particular, they are being used to commit violence against people and business premises. Many of these offences involve people who know each other and occur not on the streets but in the family home.”

He added: “We will continue to come down hard on those people who threaten and risk the lives of other people by using knives to commit crime.

“In particular we will continue to drive down incidents of domestic abuse and robbery, both against a person and against businesses as knives are used in these circumstances.

“The constabulary will continue to work hard to reduce the number of crimes committed within Cheshire, Halton and Warrington and in particular will focus on the reduction of reoffending by those who leave prison.”