Crime levels fell in Lancashire in the past year, but robberies, sex offences and thefts are still on the rise, figures released today have shown.
Overall crime has fallen by 4.9 per cent between September 2010 to September 2011 – a total of 5,097 less crimes than the year before.
The national average was a reduction of four per cent.
During this time 99,428 crimes were reported to Lancashire Constabulary, compared to 104,525 in the previous 12 months.
Reports of burglaries fell by 7.2 per cent, vehicle crime was reduced by 9.1 per cent and violent crime dropped by 3.7 per cent.
However, theft offences increased by 3.6 per cent, robbery by 4.4 per cent and sex offences by 5.6 per cent.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke was pleased with the falling levels of crime, but maintained that there was still a lot of work to do as cuts are made to budgets.
He said: “It is reassuring to see that crime figures in Lancashire have continued to fall and that on the whole the county is one of the safest places in the country.
“However, we know that there are now challenges ahead of us. We are continuing to review our services as we look to make budget cuts of £42million, and set against unprecedented low crime rates - all crime has reduced by nearly 25 per cent since 2005 –this will provide a significant test over the next few years.
“Reducing and detecting crime will remain at the heart of what we do. Despite the challenges we face we are determined to provide the best quality of service possible.”
Lancashire Police Authority chairman Malcolm Doherty OBE lauded the crime reduction, especially during shake-ups in the force due to the budget cuts.
He said: “Lancashire residents are safer as a result of a lot of hard work and the ongoing commitment of the whole Constabulary. It’s commendable that police performance has continued to improve despite the organisational changes taking place.
“We, as an Authority, placed a firm focus on cutting crime and I’m pleased to see that there has been no let up. No-one is complacent and we appreciate the challenges ahead but it’s good to know that crime continues to fall.”
Bamber Bridge paedophile sentenced to jail
(Thu 17/05)
Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh meet Burnley College students
(Thu 17/05)
Post a comment