SERIOUS crime in and around Chester has dropped dramatically according to the latest national statistics.
The biggest drop recorded in the British Crime Survey for 2011 was in the number of burglaries, down by 23 per cent, and the number of street robberies, also down by 23 per cent.
Other significant falls in crime in West Cheshire included a decrease in the number of assaults, down by 18 per cent.
Overall, Cheshire Police enjoyed a fall of eight per cent across West Cheshire.
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 on 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.”
Across the county there have been 5,283 fewer victims of crime overall compared to the previous year – an eight per cent drop.
Violence against the person is down 14 per cent with 1,828 fewer victims and, despite a four per cent rise across England and Wales, Cheshire has seen a 14 per cent drop in robbery offences.
There were also fewer victims of car crime, and criminal damage has been driven down by 11 per cent.
Sexual offences were also on the decline by more than nine per cent in 2011.
Drug offences were the only area where the force has seen an increase.
City police chiefs say the four per cent increase on this time last year is a reflection of the proactive activity across the force to target those involved in drug use and supply.
They say the public are also more confident and in providing information to the police so they can take action against the criminals ruining their communities.
He continued: “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 antisocial 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.”