CRIME has continued to fall across Chester, a new report revealed yesterday.
Statistics published by the British Crime Survey show that Cheshire is not only a safer place to live, but that people are feeling safer too.
From April 2010 to the end of March 2011 there have been 542 fewer offences of violent crime, while offences of robbery decreased by 16 per cent across the borough – against the national trend which saw a one per cent increase – meaning there were 68 less victims of robbery in the county.
Similarly, acquisitive crime – where property is stolen – saw Cheshire Police
achieve a six per cent drop in all categories of burglary.
Reviewing the statistics, Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Phil Thompson said:
“Crime statistics are useful measures in helping the Constabulary and the community to understand where the trends are, and the impact of focusing action and resources on particular hotspots or issues.
“However, a key indicator for the Constabulary is not just the number of recorded crimes, but the perceptions of the community we are here to serve. We are pleased to note from this report that the public of Cheshire do feel safer.”
Police chiefs said there were 764 fewer burglaries targeting homes last year.
There has also been nearly 900 less crimes against car owners and criminal damage to property was also down in Cheshire with almost 2,000 fewer offences.
Meanwhile, public perceptions of crime had also improved, according to information collected as part of the British Crime Survey.
These show that fewer people in Cheshire perceive there to be a high level of anti-social behaviour compared to the North West region as a whole and across the country.
Similarly, perceptions that drug use, drug dealing and drunk or rowdy behaviour is a problem are lower in Cheshire than in the North West or nationally.
Sixty per cent of the Cheshire community felt that police were doing an “excellent” or “good” job.
ACC Thompson said: “While the position for Cheshire from the British Crime
Survey report is a positive one, these are challenging times for policing, and the
Constabulary is by no means complacent.
“We are focusing our efforts on understanding how we can most effectively and efficiently deliver the best possible service to the communities of Cheshire,
ensuring we engage with our communities, and with victims, to understand what is important to them.
“We will continue to aim high, ensuring our activity is purposeful, efficient and productive.
“We will continue to target those engaged in criminal activity and work to bring them to justice. With this in mind, Cheshire residents can continue to have confidence in their local policing service.”