Crime statistics released today reveal that overall crime dropped by six percent in Cumbria between December 2009 and December 2010 and the county has the second lowest burglary rates in England and Wales.
The Home Office quarterly statistics reveal that there were 27,016 crimes reported in Cumbria during the twelve month period which results in the county being ranked as the area that has the lowest crime levels in England and Wales, second only to Dyfed Powys.
The statistics also confirm that Cumbria Constabulary ranks as the third force nationally for inspiring confidence in the public, with 64 per cent of local people agreeing that police are dealing with local concerns and 52 per cent agreeing that police deal and local councils deal with local issues.
The report released today is produced by the Home Office and discusses the latest crime trends in England and Wales. The report is based on two sources of statistics, the British Crime Survey (BCS) and police recorded crime data.
Taking a closer look at the report, statistics reveal that Cumbria has recorded a 17 per cent drop in overall burglary offences with 12 per cent fewer homes being broken into and a 20 per cent reduction in burglaries at sheds, outhouses and business premises (burglary other than dwellings).
Violent crime has fallen by 5 per cent; criminal damage has dropped by 11 per cent, vehicle crime by 18 per cent, and fraud by 7 per cent. However, the number of sexual offences reported to police has increased by 13 per cent after officers recorded 405 crimes in the county, and 1,827 drug offences were reported, equating to a 24 per cent increase.
Chief Constable Craig Mackey said: “As a Constabulary, we have worked hard to reduce crime in Cumbria over the last twelve months so I’m pleased to see that yet again, crime has fallen and there are even fewer victims in the county.
“Tackling burglaries has been a top priority for us and today’s report confirms that the hard work has paid off as 17 per cent fewer homes and businesses have been targeted.
“Over the last year, Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been working closely with local residents and partner agencies to focus on issues and concerns that matter to each city, town or village. Tackling the issues that have the biggest impact on the quality of life for people in Cumbria will continue – and we hope that local communities will continue to support us and have their say on what policing should look like in their area.”
Speaking about the increase in sexual offences and drug offences, Mr Mackey continued: “We are constantly re-evaluating trends and any increases in crime and, although it is disappointing to see any crime rise, we have developed strong links and trust with local people who provide us with important information about what is happening in their area. People need to have confidence in us to be able to report a crime so, on one hand it is encouraging that more people are speaking up and not suffering in silence.
“We have also put a great deal of effort into targeting drugs and serious and organised crime in Cumbria which is reflected in the increase in the number of crimes we have uncovered and recorded. Officers have adopted a more proactive approach to tackling the misuse of drugs and large numbers of dedicated operations have been arranged to disrupt drug dealers and their circles of criminality.
“Increasing numbers of warrants, arrests and drug seizures have taken place over the last twelve months, sending out a very strong message to drug dealers out there. This will continue over the next year as we work together to make Cumbria even safer.”
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