CRIME in Cheshire continues to fall, with the county’s police recording the fourth largest reduction in recorded crime across England and Wales.
The latest crime statistics from the Office of National Statistics show that for the 12 months ending in June there has been overall reduction in crime of four per cent – 2,245 fewer crimes – compared to the previous 12-month period.
Cheshire is one of just three police force areas in the north of England, and one of nine across England and Wales, to experience any kind of reduction.
It closely reflects the results released three months ago for the year ending in March – indicating a consistent reduction in crime across the county and reiterating the Constabulary’s service commitments that ‘We’re Here’ for the residents of Cheshire.
It also means that crime levels in the county continue to be at their lowest for the past 25 years.
In particular, the Constabulary has experienced a significant fall in what are known as acquisitive crimes – burglary (-17 per cent), robbery (-20 per cent), theft (-13 per cent) and vehicle offences (-14 per cent) – in total 3,817 fewer crimes of this type.
Police commissioner John Dwyer
However, it is recognised that certain types of crimes, such as those involving violence and sexual offences have risen, though this is in part down to the Constabulary tightening up how it records these offences and also as victims are increasingly confident in reporting these types of offences to us.
Deputy Chief Constable Janette McCormick (pictured above) said: “The figures show that we continue to see a steady decline in crimes reported in Cheshire. This is not only testament to the work that we do as a Constabulary, but also to the public for their increased vigilance and awareness of what is going on in their communities, making it more difficult for criminals to carry out their activities.
“I hope these figures provide reassurance that the work we are doing is helping to reduce crime in our communities and that the public can have confidence in reporting incidents to us. We take all reports of crime seriously and endeavour to ensure that each is dealt with appropriately.”
Cheshire Constabulary’s new operating model of eight Local Policing Units, supported centrally by a proactive Task Force, is now firmly bedded in and effectively policing the communities they serve.
“Their work has been complemented by a number of high profile operations focusing on drug offences, cross-border criminality and anti-social behaviour – bringing to justice those whose activities are a blight on our neighbourhoods.
Police and Crime Commission John Dwyer said: “I am delighted to see that the Constabulary continues to experience a decline in the level of reported crimes. This can only be seen as a positive and is extremely encouraging for anyone concerned with tackling and preventing crime.
“I am proud that crime in our communities is declining. Fewer crimes mean fewer victims in our communities and I am focused on ensuring that those who are victims get the appropriate support they need. In my role as Commissioner, I will continue to work with the Chief Constable to ensure that this momentum is maintained.”
