Latest government figures show that crime in North Yorkshire and the City of York has been reduced by 10% – with 4,334 fewer victims – in the past year.
Public confidence in North Yorkshire Police and local authorities’ ability to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour has also risen markedly.
Released today (Thursday 18 October 2012) by the Office of National Statistics, the Crime Statistics in England and Wales for the 12 month period up to June 2012, outline the following results for the North Yorkshire Police area:
•Overall crime reduced by 10% with a total of 37,287 crimes – this equates to 4,334 fewer victims of crime in comparison to the same period last year.
•Violence against the person reduced by 12% – total 7,042 – 945 fewer victims
•Sexual offences reduced by 12% – total 529 – 53 fewer victims
•Robbery reduced by 27% – total 152 – 48 fewer victims
•Burglary reduced by 12% – total 4,787 – 673 fewer victims
•Offences against vehicles reduced by 3% – total 3,251 – 22 fewer victims
•Other theft offences reduced by 11% – total 11,305 – 1,508 fewer victims
•Criminal damage reduced by 12% – total 6,542 – 900 fewer victims
•Other offences reduced by 12% – total 499 -113 fewer victims
The Crime Survey for England and Wales for the same period also showed 66.1% of the local people surveyed agreed that North Yorkshire Police deals with local concerns – a rise of 6% and above the national average of 62%.
In terms of North Yorkshire Police and local councils are dealing with issues, 64.8% of the residents who were surveyed agreed – a rise of 9% and well above the national average of 61%.
Temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “These results are very satisfying for everyone who works so hard to make North Yorkshire and the City of York the safe and low-crime area that we enjoy today.
“This includes my staff within the police service, the councils, community safety partnerships, watch group volunteers and a whole range of organisations and individuals who work tirelessly to enhance the quality of life in our communities.
“By working together with joined up aims and aspirations, we can continue to make a real difference.
“Make no mistake, though, we will not rest on our laurels.
“Our relentless drive to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour will not waiver.”
Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)
ACPO lead on statistics, Deputy Chief Constable Douglas Paxton, said:
“The latest crime statistics published today show police are continuing to reduce crime and maintain public confidence. Crime recorded by police in England and Wales fell by six per cent for the 12 months to June, while the independent Crime Survey for England and Wales also showed a six per cent decrease in overall crime, and remains broadly in line with police recorded data.
“All major categories of crime have fallen, most notably violence against the person offences, which was down six per cent, robbery offences down seven per cent – the lowest level in nearly 10 years – and homicide was down by 14 per cent. Decreases in household crime are also pleasing with householders three times less likely to be a victim of burglary than in 1995.
“Public confidence in the police has also remained steady with 62 per cent of people stating they believe that the police in their local area are dealing with the things that matter to people in the community.
“What is important to note is that these overall crime reductions have been achieved at a time when forces are facing significant cash savings. The service remains determined to continue to build on the good work reflected in these publications and the results are a credit to those officers and staff who have faced the challenge of major efficiencies while continuing to tackle crime in our communities.”
Crime Statistics in England and Wales, year ending June 2012: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/period-ending-june-2012/index.html