Recorded crime in Cheshire falls, according to latest statistics

Official crime statistics for Cheshire show a fall in overall recorded crime.

The figures for the year to March 31 from the Office of National Statistics, show an overall reduction in recorded crime of 2.2 per cent in Cheshire.

This equates to nearly 1,300 fewer victims, according to Cheshire Police.

It is the tenth consecutive year of falling recorded figures in the county – one of only four areas in England and Wales where figures continue to fall.

The statistics show a 17.2% drop in vehicle crime and a 16% reduction in burglaries.

But violence against the person has risen by 16%.

This includes offences like modern slavery, serious assaults, death by dangerous driving, attempted murder and stalking and harassment.

Cheshire Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “Overall, it is welcome news the statistics indicate a continuing fall in many crime areas.

“I believe it reflects positively the work of officers and staff, working with our partners, to protect our communities.

“Many of the crimes that worry our residents have seen falls – like burglary and car crime.

“And while violence against the person has increased, it’s important to put this into context.”

Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “Any reduction is to be welcomed – and particularly in areas like burglary and vehicle crime.

“It’s a credit to the hard work of officers and staff which I’ve seen first hand over the last two months.

“This has been reflected in what the public are telling me as I travel the county listening to residents as I develop Cheshire’s new Police & Crime Plan.

“But I’ve also heard their concerns about the night-time economy in some of our towns.

“I want to see more being done to further tackle public disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, which can make people wary about visiting our town centres in the evening.

“I’ve spoken to the Chief Constable about this, and I will also be challenging my colleagues in local government, on licensing committees, and elsewhere to play their part in helping us to tackle this issue.”

Cheshire Constabulary’s own information has shown a significant improvement in detection (or ‘solved’) rates for key crimes.

More than half (51%) of domestic violence with injury are detected, while more than 35% of sexual offences (30% of rape offences) were solved last year.