National statistics show crime continues to fall in Lancashire
Published Friday 27th January 12
Crime in Lancashire has continued to fall at a rate higher than the national average, according to Home Office figures.
The county has seen a 4.9% reduction in all crime from September 2010 to September 2011. This equates to 5,097 fewer victims of crime in comparison to the same period the year before. The national average is a 4% reduction.
During these dates 99,428 crimes were reported to Lancashire Constabulary, which had fallen from 104,525 in the previous 12 months.
Reports of burglaries have fallen by 7.2%, from 4,417 to 4,101 - a reduction of 316 crimes. Vehicle crime was down by 9.1%, from 9,627 to 8,755 - 872 fewer crimes. Violent crime also dropped by 3.7%, from 21,906 reports to 21,092 - a decrease of 814 crimes.
However, theft offences increased by 3.6%, robbery by 4.4% and sexual offences by 5.6%.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke 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% 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's chairman, Malcolm Doherty, OBE, said the continuing decrease in overall crime at a time when significant organisational change was taking place was remarkable.
He added: "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."
(Issued by Lancashire Constabulary)
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