Almost 14,000 less victims of crime in South Wales

Figures released by the Home Office show that there were 13,816 fewer victims of crime, with notable reductions in key areas such as vehicle crime and burglary.

The biggest drop was in robbery, a 25.2% reduction with 204 fewer victims. There has been a 24% reduction in vehicle crime, with over 4000 less victims.

There was also a significant reduction in the number of homes burgled, with 961 fewer break-ins, a reduction 16.1%.

Violence against the person fell by 6.7%, resulting in 1420 less victims that is 4 less victims of violent crime every day. There were 141 fewer sexual offences which places South Wales Police as the 2nd most improved force in Wales and England.

Criminal damage fell by 15.1%, resulting in 4043 less victims.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis said:

“These figures show our commitment to keeping our communities of South Wales safe by preventing and tackling crime. There has been nearly 14,000 less victims of crime and a reduction of 11.8% that puts South Wales Police as the 8th best performing force from the 43 throughout Wales and England.”

“Crime in South Wales is at an unprecedented low since the national recording standards were introduced in 2002, and the chances of becoming a victim of crime are actually lower now than they have been for the last 20 years.”

Whilst crime continues to fall, the likelihood of someone being caught for their crime continues to increase. South Wales Police is now detecting almost 50% more offences than in 2005/6.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis continues:

“Bringing offenders to justice is a key priority and there is a clear message from South Wales Police to those intent on committing crime that we will pursue you and bring you to justice”.

Other figures released by the Home Office as part of the British Crime Survey show that South Wales Police has made huge improvements, working in partnership with local authorities, in dealing with local issues, with a 10% increase in confidence levels over the last year to a level of 50%. This places South Wales Police as the best performing in Wales and the most improved force in Wales and England.

South Wales has also seen an almost 20% reduction in reported anti-social behaviour in the last year, which equates to 11 less reported incidents per day.

Knife related crime has also reduced by double the national reduction rate.

Acting Chief Constable Colette Paul said:

“Our staff can be proud of these results which reflect their hard work. We are committed to being the best at understanding and responding to the needs of our communities, and will continue to work with both our partners and communities to reduce crime and tackle anti-social behaviour. We will certainly not be complacent in our commitment to driving down all types of crime.”

Recorded Crime Figures Summary (and South Wales ranking in brackets amongst 43 other forces)

· Recorded crime down 11.8% (8th best performing)

· Violence against person down 6.7% (12th best performing)

· Sexual offences down 14.1% (2nd best performing)

· Robbery down 25.2% (4th best performing)

· Dwelling burglary down 16.1% (7th best performing)

· Vehicle crime down 24% (6th best performing)

· Criminal damage down 15.1% (19th best performing)