Crime down by 5% in North Yorkshire

The Office of National Statistics’ Crime in England and Wales have published their report on crime for the 12 month period ending in September 2013.

In North Yorkshire this shows a 5% drop in crime in the county with a total of 34,363 crimes. This total does not include fraud offences which are now counted separately from the main crime figures.

This amounts to 1593 fewer victims of crime in our communities and crime rate per thousand population of 43 – the lowest in England and second lowest in England and Wales.

The figures also highlight that certain types of crime are being effectively tackled and continue to fall, with the following positive results:

Robbery has been reduced by 6% – with 8 fewer victims compared to the same period last year

Burglary has been reduced by 5% – with 238 fewer victims

Vehicle crime has been reduced by 16% – with 428 fewer victims

Theft from a person has been reduced by 10% – with 51 fewer victims

Cycle theft has been reduced by 4% – with 56 fewer victims

Violence with injury has been reduced by 4% with 136 fewer victims.

Criminal damage and arson has been reduced by 9% with 533 fewer victims

Drug offences have been reduced by 9% – with 157 fewer crimes

Possession of offensive weapons have been reduced by 24% – with 39 fewer crimes

Reports of have increased by 20% during the period with a total of 135 crimes, which is regarded as good indication that victims have growing confidence to come forward to the police. It also reflects the improved facilities for victims of sexual crimes with the opening of North Yorkshire Police’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in York eight months ago.

Shoplifting increased by 3% – 126 crimes – which is still under the national average of 4%. This trend is generally seen to reflect the economic downturn with certain people turning to crime to acquire goods.

Chief Constable Dave Jones, of North Yorkshire Police, said: The reduction in crime in North Yorkshire is testament to the dedicated work of the policing teams and the strong community partnerships right across the county.

We are very proud to be recognised as the safest place in England and, together with the Police and Crime Commissioner, I am fully committed to maintaining the fight against crime and increasing the safety and quality of life for residents.