Crime hits 13-year low

CRIME in Cheshire has fallen by five per cent – and is now at its lowest level since 1990.
The figures, produced by the British Crime Survey, cover the period between December 2011 and the end of last year.
There are more than 3,245 fewer victims of crime compared to the same period the year before.
One of the most dramatic decreases is in household burglary, which has fallen significantly by 13 per cent. This means there were less than 3,000 burglary victims in the county.
Deputy Chief Constable Helen King said: “These figures help us understand where and how our resources are best deployed, and to help identify emerging crime trends and to preventing crime and antisocial behaviour from being committed.
“I would like to thank the public of Cheshire for helping us achieve these results by taking on board crime prevention advice, and adopting sensible precautions to ensure their own personal safety, and the protection of their homes and personal belongings.
“I am pleased to see a fall in household burglary, which we know can have a profound impact on victims and can affect their quality of life.”
DCC King continued: “Ensuring the communities of Cheshire are safe, and feel safe, is our priority. The reduction in criminal damage, especially in our towns and villages, has been achieved by partnership working with other agencies including the local authorities and youth groups, to intervene at an early stage, when we identify antisocial behaviour hotspots before the situation is escalated.
“Although the figures are positive, we must build on this success and continue to explore effective ways of working to ensure we continue to deliver an effective service within the current financial climate that is affecting the police service as a whole”